Rhode Island House Bill H8085

Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/20/24
• Refer: 3/20/24
• Report Pass: 4/11/24
• Engrossed: 4/24/24
• Refer: 5/10/24
• Report Pass: 5/14/24
• Enrolled: 5/21/24
• Passed: 5/30/24

Caption

Exempts from taxation the real and tangible personal property of Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of Rhode Island (Wildlife Clinic of Rhode Island), a Rhode Island domestic nonprofit corporation, located in North Kingstown, Rhode Island.

Impact

If enacted, this legislation will change the existing tax framework for nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island by formally recognizing the contributions of entities like the Wildlife Rehabilitators Association to public welfare and environmental preservation. The bill's passage aligns with broader efforts to incentivize charitable organizations by alleviating their financial burdens through tax exemption. This may encourage further investment in wildlife care and rehabilitation, ultimately benefiting local ecosystems.

Summary

House Bill H8085 proposes significant changes to property taxation laws by exempting the real and tangible personal property of the Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of Rhode Island, also known as the Wildlife Clinic of Rhode Island, located in North Kingstown. This exemption pertains specifically to properties owned by nonprofit organizations devoted to wildlife rehabilitation services. Legislators introduced this bill to provide financial relief and support for organizations engaged in ecological conservation and wildlife care.

Contention

During the legislative discussions surrounding H8085, there was noticeable support from various stakeholders who highlighted the importance of wildlife rehabilitation and the positive impact of such organizations on both wildlife and community health. However, some concerns were raised regarding the implications of granting tax exemptions to nonprofits, particularly the potential loss of tax revenue for municipalities. Critics argued that a careful balance must be managed to ensure that while supporting crucial wildlife services, the fiscal needs of local governments are not compromised.