RI
Rhode Island Senate Bill S1131

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S1131

Introduced
6/4/25  

Caption

Authorizes municipalities to impose a ticket tax on ticket sales for venues large enough to hold at least eight hundred (800) patrons, seated, of seven percent (7%) per ticket. The tax shall be redistributed to the locality where the venue is located.

Impact

The bill's passing would lead to amendments in Chapter 44-18 of the General Laws concerning sales and use taxes. By allowing municipalities to levy this tax, local governments may have more financial resources to meet community needs. Supporters argue that this could incentivize local government investment in public services, infrastructure, and community initiatives that enhance the quality of life for residents. This could also support local economies by promoting entertainment activities that draw visitors.

Summary

S1131 aims to authorize municipalities to impose a ticket tax on ticket sales for entertainment venues that can accommodate at least 800 seated patrons. The proposed tax is capped at 7% per ticket, which would be administered and collected by the division of taxation. The revenue generated from this tax is designed to be redistributed to the municipality where the venue is located, potentially providing a new revenue stream for local governments. The bill is positioned as a means to enhance local funding capabilities through entertainment-related activities.

Contention

While the bill's implications appear positive for local funding, there are potential concerns and points of contention. Opponents may view the imposition of a ticket tax as an additional burden for event-goers, possibly discouraging attendance at local events. Furthermore, there might be apprehensions regarding how such taxes could affect the overall economic landscape for entertainment venues, particularly in a competitive market where ticket prices are scrutinized. Debate around the fairness and practicality of the tax could arise, especially concerning whether it could unintentionally disadvantage smaller venues or local events.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S3022

Enables the city of Newport to impose a nine percent (9%) amusement tax on the sale of certain amusement ticket sales.

RI H8132

Enables the city of Newport to impose a nine percent (9%) amusement tax on the sale of certain amusement ticket sales.

RI S3027

Reduces the sales tax from seven percent (7%) to six and one-half percent (6 ½%).

RI S2065

Increases the net taxable estate exemption to three million six hundred thousand dollars ($3,600,000) on January 1, 2025. Also increases the exemption by one million dollars ($1,000,000) on January 1 per year thereafter.

RI H8183

Imposes a tax of five percent (5%) upon the rental of a house or condominium. The funds from the tax to be used exclusively for infrastructure improvements, riverine and coastal resiliency and housing.

RI S2596

Amends the capital gains tax rates and holding period from 5 years to 1 year. Imposes a non-owner occupied tax on homes assessed at more than $1,000,000.

RI H7486

Amends the capital gains tax rates and holding period from 5 years to 1 year. Imposes a non-owner occupied tax on homes assessed at more than $1,000,000.

RI S2567

Requires an appropriation of an additional five percent (5%) of the assessed value of all low-income housing as part of the payment in lieu of taxes program to the municipality where the property is located beginning in fiscal year 2026.

RI S3033

Imposes an additional local hotel tax in the city of Newport, at a rate of two and one-half percent (2.5%) to be retained and used for its public infrastructure and resiliency purposes.

RI H8133

Imposes an additional local hotel tax in the city of Newport, at a rate of two and one-half percent (2.5%) to be retained and used for its public infrastructure and resiliency purposes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.