Requires specific notice of the tax sale to the taxpayer with a copy of this § 44-9-10 attached thereto. Failure to do so would render the tax sale null and void.

Rhode Island Bill Summary: Tax Sale Notice Requirements

This bill changes the rules for how local governments must notify property owners before selling their property for unpaid taxes. Currently, when a homeowner or property owner falls behind on their taxes, the government can eventually sell the property through what's called a "tax sale." This bill would require that when officials notify a property owner about an upcoming tax sale, they must also include a copy of the specific state law (Section 44-9-10) that governs tax sales — essentially giving the property owner the full legal text explaining their rights and the process involved.

The most significant part of this bill is the consequence for failing to follow this rule: if the required notice and legal text are not properly provided to the property owner, the entire tax sale would be considered null and void — meaning it would be legally invalid, as if the sale never happened. This gives property owners a stronger protection against losing their property without being fully informed of the legal process being used against them.

This bill would primarily affect property owners who are behind on their taxes and at risk of having their property sold, as well as the city and town governments that conduct tax sales. Local tax collectors and municipal officials would need to make sure their notification process includes this additional document, or risk having a completed sale invalidated. Buyers who purchase property at tax sales could also be affected if a sale is later declared void due to improper notice.

The bill was introduced in the Rhode Island House of Representatives and referred to the House Judiciary Committee, which has recommended holding it for further study rather than moving it forward immediately.