HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AMENDING RHODE ISLAND GENERAL LAW § 44-3-3 (Creates a 7-member commission to study and provide recommendations for amending RI General Law §44-3-3, and who would report back to the General Assembly by January 5, 2027, and would expire on March 5, 2027.)

Plain-English Summary

This resolution would create a special 7-member commission to study Rhode Island's property tax exemption law, known as General Law § 44-3-3. This law lists the types of people and organizations that are exempt from paying property taxes in Rhode Island — such as veterans, seniors, religious organizations, and charitable nonprofits. The commission would be tasked with reviewing that law and recommending possible changes to the Rhode Island General Assembly.

The commission would have until January 5, 2027 to complete its work and submit a formal report with recommendations. After that, the commission would automatically expire on March 5, 2027. The resolution does not change any existing laws on its own — it simply sets up a study group to gather information and propose potential updates for lawmakers to consider later.

This bill could affect a wide range of Rhode Islanders, including homeowners, veterans, seniors, religious institutions, nonprofit organizations, and local municipalities that rely on property tax revenue. Depending on what changes the commission ultimately recommends, future legislation could expand or reduce who qualifies for property tax exemptions, which could impact both individual tax bills and local government budgets.

Currently, the bill has been referred to the House Municipal Government & Housing Committee and was recommended to be held for further study, meaning it has not yet advanced to a full vote. No changes to existing law have been made at this time.