2023 -- H 6328
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LC002850
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S T A T E O F R H O D E I S L A N D
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023
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A N A C T
RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES
Introduced By: Representatives Carson, and Abney
Date Introduced: April 26, 2023
Referred To: House Municipal Government & Housing
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 44-5-76.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 44-5 entitled "Levy and 1
Assessment of Local Taxes" is hereby amended to read as follows: 2
44-5-76.1. Newport — Property tax classification — List of ratable property. 3
(a) Upon adoption of a system of classification of taxable property by the city of Newport, 4
all ratable property in the city of Newport shall be classified by the assessor as follows: 5
(1) Class One: all ratable tangible personal property; 6
(2) Class Two: residential real estate with less than four (4) units; 7
(3) Class Three: all commercial and industrial real estate and residential real estate with 8
four (4) units or more; and 9
(4) Class Four: motor vehicles and trailers subject to the excise tax created by chapter 34 10
of this title. 11
(b) In lieu of the city of Newport adopting a homestead exemption authorized by 12
ordinances enacted pursuant to § 44-5-78, the city of Newport may divide the residential real estate 13
in Class Two of this section, into non-owner occupied and owner-occupied properties and adopt 14
separate tax rates in compliance with the restrictions set forth in § 44-5-76.2. The city of Newport, 15
by ordinance or resolution, shall provide rules and regulations, including, but not limited to, 16
governing the division and definition of non-owner and owner-occupied properties. 17
(c) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section, the city of Newport may, by 18
ordinance, provide that Class Three as set forth in subsection (a)(3) of this section, may also include 19
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nonowner occupied residential properties used as short-term rentals for tourist or transient use, such 1
ordinance to be applicable to taxes assessed on or after the assessment date of December 31, 2023. 2
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage. 3
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LC002850 - Page 3 of 3
EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES
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This act would permit the city of Newport, by separate ordinance, to assess nonowner 1
occupied residential properties used as short-term rentals for tourists under its Class Three category, 2
which includes commercial, industrial and residential real estate with four (4) units or more. 3
This act would take effect upon passage. 4
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