Authorizes the tax administrator to waive interest and penalties on delinquent taxes paid in full during a one week amnesty period. Also reinstates a suspended driver’s license upon payment in full.

Rhode Island Tax Amnesty Act of 2017

This bill would create a one-week "tax amnesty" period in Rhode Island, during which people who owe back taxes can pay what they owe without having to pay the extra fees that normally come with late payments. Specifically, the state's tax administrator would have the authority to waive the interest charges and penalties that have built up on overdue tax bills — as long as the person pays the full original amount they owe during that one-week window.

The bill affects Rhode Islanders who currently have unpaid or overdue state taxes. For these individuals, the amnesty period represents a chance to get caught up on their tax debt at a reduced overall cost, since the added interest and penalty charges (which can sometimes be significant) would be forgiven. In exchange, the state would collect tax money it might otherwise have difficulty recovering.

There is also a benefit related to driving privileges. If someone had their driver's license suspended due to unpaid taxes, paying their taxes in full during the amnesty period would result in their license being reinstated. This could be particularly meaningful for people who rely on their ability to drive for work or daily life.

Overall, this bill is designed to give both the state and individual taxpayers a practical way to resolve outstanding tax debts — the state collects overdue revenue, and taxpayers get a time-limited opportunity to clear their obligations without the full financial burden of accumulated penalties.