2025 -- H 6247
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LC002781
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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. 2025
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A N A C T
RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES
Introduced By: Representative Tina L. Spears
Date Introduced: April 23, 2025
Referred To: House Municipal Government & Housing
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
SECTION 1. Chapter 44-5 of the General Laws entitled "Levy and Assessment of Local 1
Taxes" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section: 2
44-5-89. Charlestown homestead exemption. 3
(a) The town council of the town of Charlestown is authorized to annually fix the amount, 4
if any, of a homestead exemption, with respect to assessed value, from local taxation on taxable 5
real property used for residential purposes or mixed purposes, defined as a combination of 6
residential and commercial uses, in the town of Charlestown, and to grant homestead exemptions 7
to the owner, or owners, of residential real estate, or combination residential and commercial real 8
estate, in an amount not to exceed ten percent (10%) of the assessed value. The exemption shall 9
apply to property used exclusively for residential purposes, and improved with a dwelling 10
containing less than five (5) units, or real property used for a combination of residential and 11
commercial uses. When real property is used for mixed purposes, the percentage of the assessed 12
value shall be a prorated amount. The prorated amount shall be the percentage of square feet of the 13
parcel used for residential purposes, multiplied by the percentage of the homestead exemption. In 14
order to determine compliance with the homestead exemption as outlined in this section, the town 15
council shall provide, by resolution or ordinance, rules and regulations governing eligibility for the 16
exemption established by this section. 17
(b) In the event property granted an exemption under this section is sold or transferred 18
during the year for which the exemption is claimed, the town council of the town of Charlestown, 19
LC002781 - Page 2 of 3
upon approval of the town council, may provide for a proration of the homestead exemption in 1
cases where title to property passes from those not entitled to claim an exemption to those who are 2
entitled to claim an exemption. 3
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on December 31, 2025. 4
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LC002781
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LC002781 - 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 grant the town council of the town of Charlestown the authority to enact a 1
homestead exemption ordinance. 2
This act would take effect on December 31, 2025. 3
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LC002781
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