Rhode Island House Bill H6248

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/23/25
• Refer: 4/23/25

Caption

Enables any city or town council to adopt a property tax deferral program for senior citizens and disabled persons or veterans.

Impact

In terms of state law, H6248 modifies Chapter 44-5 of the General Laws concerning local taxation to include this deferment provision. By introducing this tax deferral, local governments will need to determine the requirements and application procedures for beneficiaries. Additionally, the bill specifies that any deferred taxes would constitute a lien against the property and would accrue interest during the deferral period. This structural change emphasizes the state government's commitment to supporting those who may struggle to pay property taxes due to their financial situations.

Summary

House Bill H6248 proposes the establishment of a property tax deferral program aimed at aiding senior citizens, disabled persons, and disabled veterans. This bill allows city and town councils in Rhode Island to offer the option to defer property tax payments on single-family dwellings occupied by these qualifying individuals. The deferral can continue until the property is sold, transferred, or the owners pass away. The measure aims to alleviate the financial burden of property taxes for vulnerable populations in the state, allowing them to remain in their homes longer.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding H6248 may include concerns about the implications of creating tax liens on properties, along with the potential fiscal impact on local municipalities that adopt such ordinances. Critics might argue that while the bill assists vulnerable populations, it could complicate the financial management for local governments due to delayed tax collections and increased administrative burdens in managing deferrals and liens. Factors such as the exclusion of households with reverse mortgages or houses that have less than 20% equity could also be points of debate among stakeholders, pointing towards discussions about fairness and accessibility of the program.