Rhode Island Senate Bill S2967

Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/5/24
• Refer: 4/5/24
• Report Pass: 4/25/24
• Engrossed: 4/30/24
• Refer: 5/1/24
• Report Pass: 5/15/24
• 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

The enactment of S2967 would significantly influence state laws concerning property taxation by widening the scope of tax exemptions available to nonprofit entities. By exempting the Wildlife Clinic's properties, the bill would potentially alleviate financial burdens on such organizations, enabling them to allocate more resources towards their rehabilitation efforts and public services. Overall, this could encourage the establishment of similar nonprofit entities focused on wildlife and environmental conservation within the state.

Summary

Bill S2967 pertains to taxation in Rhode Island, specifically aiming to exempt the real and tangible personal property of the Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of Rhode Island, also known as the Wildlife Clinic of Rhode Island. The bill identifies this organization as a Rhode Island domestic nonprofit corporation located in North Kingstown. This proposed legislation modifies existing tax laws to provide a broader exemption for properties associated with nonprofit organizations dedicated to public service, particularly in wildlife rehabilitation.

Contention

While the bill does not appear to have widespread public opposition, there are potential points of contention regarding tax revenue implications. Opponents may argue that increasing the number of exempt properties could lead to a decrease in overall tax revenue, impacting local government resources. However, supporters highlight the importance of supporting nonprofit organizations that contribute to wildlife conservation and community welfare. The bill seeks to address these concerns by emphasizing the public benefits derived from the operations of rehabilitation centers and similar nonprofits.