Rhode Island Senate Bill S1143

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/6/25
• Refer: 6/6/25
• Report Pass: 6/10/25
• Engrossed: 6/12/25
• Enrolled: 6/18/25
• Passed: 6/26/25

Caption

Permit the town of East Greenwich to deny issuance or renewal of licenses or permits for properties on which the taxes and/or assessments are in arrears.

Impact

The implementation of S1143 could have significant consequences for local businesses, particularly those struggling with tax payments. By potentially restricting access to critical business operations through the denial of permits and licenses, the bill aims to address the financial stability of the municipality. This amendment could lead to increased pressure on business owners to remain current on their tax obligations, fostering a culture of compliance that may bolster local government revenues and diminish tax delinquency rates.

Summary

Bill S1143 seeks to amend the tax collection processes in the town of East Greenwich, Rhode Island, by allowing the town to deny the issuance or renewal of licenses or permits to businesses that are in arrears with their local taxes, liens, and assessments. The bill stipulates that no business license or building permit can be granted to individuals who have unpaid local taxes unless they have appealed their tax situation in a timely manner. This legislative move underscores the town's efforts to enforce tax compliance and ensure revenue generation for local services.

Contention

There are likely to be points of contention surrounding the bill, particularly regarding the fairness of denying licenses based on tax arrears. Critics may argue that businesses facing financial difficulties could be disproportionately affected, leading to negative impacts on employment and local economies. Proponents of the bill, however, would stress that maintaining financial accountability within the business community is essential for ensuring equitable access to community resources and infrastructure, thus justifying the strict measures proposed in S1143.