Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7045

Introduced

1/9/26

Refer

1/9/26

Report Pass

1/27/26

Engrossed

2/3/26

Refer

2/6/26

Report Pass

3/12/26

Enrolled

4/2/26

Passed

4/10/26

Caption

Authorizes the town of Bristol to apply the owner-occupied tax rate for mixed-used properties where the residential portion is owner-occupied.

Impact

The passage of H7045 is expected to facilitate a more equitable tax environment for homeowners in Bristol. By authorizing the town to set distinct tax rates for owner-occupied and non-owner occupied properties, the bill acknowledges the needs of local residents and could potentially result in lower tax burdens for residents who live in properties they own. This is especially relevant in mixed-use developments where residential spaces share premises with commercial businesses. Such provisions aim to enhance local revenue without compromising the financial obligations of residents.

Summary

House Bill H7045 seeks to amend the taxation laws in Rhode Island by allowing the town of Bristol to apply the owner-occupied tax rate specifically for mixed-use properties where the residential portion is owner-occupied. This bill provides greater flexibility for local governments to impose tax classifications that more accurately reflect the status of properties within their jurisdictions. As municipalities manage property taxes, this update is significant as it aligns tax rates with the reality of property use, thereby generating a fairer taxation system for residents.

Contention

Despite its advantages, there are potential points of contention surrounding H7045. Critics may argue that allowing municipalities like Bristol to adopt separate tax rates could lead to disparities in taxation, creating inequalities among property owners in different areas. Furthermore, there may be concerns regarding the administrative burden on local governments to implement and manage these classifications effectively. This could also raise questions about transparency and fairness in how taxes are assessed and reported across different property classes.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5694

Allows the town of Middletown to adopt a tax classification plan for residential real estate which divides the class into non-owner and owner-occupied properties with separate tax rates.

RI S0351

Allows the town of Middletown to adopt a tax classification plan for residential real estate which divides the class into non-owner and owner-occupied properties with separate tax rates.

RI S0437

Imposes a non-owner occupied property tax on residential properties assessed in excess of eight hundred thousand dollars ($800,000) at variable rates dependent on values assessed by local tax assessors.

RI H6189

RI H5698

Establishes the assessed value of owner-occupied low- and moderate-income housing as the most recent sales price of the property.

RI S0499

Establishes the assessed value of owner-occupied low- and moderate-income housing as the most recent sales price of the property.

RI H5752

Imposes a property tax on non-owner occupied residential properties assessed worth at one million dollars ($1,000,000) and less than two million dollars ($2,000,000) and a higher tax on properties assessed at two million dollars ($2,000,000) or more.

RI H6123

Defines Class 5 property to include the commercial portion of mixed use properties and fix the tax rate for Class 3 property at thirty-eight dollars and 33 cents ($38.33) per one thousand dollars ($1,000).

RI S0675

RI H6090

Allows the town council of New Shoreham to adopt a tax classification plan in accordance with the provisions of this section, to be applicable to taxes on or after the assessment date of December 31, 2025.