Rhode IslandH70052026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION .

Sponsored By: Jennifer Boylan (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Bigger local tax breaks for blind homeowners

Some towns give bigger breaks for legally blind homeowners. Cumberland allows up to $47,544 off your assessed value; Warren allows up to $40,895. Westerly may allow up to $29,000 by local ordinance. Tiverton gives a tax credit of at least $300, and West Warwick gives $335. Barrington, Charlestown, Jamestown, and North Kingstown may offer local tax credits or assessment reductions by ordinance.

Statewide tax break for legally blind homeowners

If you are legally blind and certified, you can exclude $6,000 of your property's value from local taxes. The exemption applies first to your real and tangible property in your town, then to intangible property if any is left. If your property in your home town is too small to use it all, you can claim the balance in another Rhode Island town where you own property. Your city or town council can raise the local exemption up to $22,500 by ordinance. This exemption is on top of other exemptions unless another law limits it.

Residency and filing rules for blind exemption

You must be a legal Rhode Island resident to claim this exemption. You must give proof to the assessors by the last day to file sworn statements for that tax year. If you miss these rules, you lose the exemption for that year.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Jennifer Boylan
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Jason Knight
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 66 • No: 0

House vote • 2/3/2026

PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION PASSAGE