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SB 3262

AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION-PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION -- GLOCESTER -- EXEMPTION OF ELDERLY AND DISABLED PERSONS

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jessica de la Cruz

Glocester can adopt local property tax relief for elderly and disabled homeowners, including CPI-adjusted credits/exemptions and a variable income exemption with annual verificatio

06/24/2026 Effective without Governor's signature
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 3262

Bill Summary: SB 3262 (Rhode Island, 2026) — Glocester Exemption of Elderly and Disabled Persons

Overview

  • Jurisdiction: Rhode Island, Glocester
  • Bill Number: SB 3262
  • Introduced: May 5, 2026
  • Sponsor: Senator Jessica de la Cruz
  • Committee: Senate Housing & Municipal Government
  • Purpose: To authorize Glocester’s town council to create or adjust property tax exemptions and credits for elderly and disabled residents, including a new non-compounding CPI-adjusted credit/credit mechanism and alignment with general state law on exemptions.

Main Purpose and Intent

  • Allow Glocester to adopt and adjust local property tax relief measures targeted at:
    • Elderly and disabled homeowners (age-based eligibility and disability status).
    • Homeowners with limited income.
    • Potentially broadened or enhanced exemptions and credits through town ordinances.
  • Aligns local exemption framework with state law while enabling additional optional mechanisms on a non-compounded CPI basis.

Key Provisions and Changes

Section 44-3-13.5 (Glocester — Exemption of elderly and disabled persons)

  • Tax Credits for Elderly/Disabled: The town council may issue:
    • A base tax credit for real property owned and occupied by:
    • Seniors 65+ or permanently disabled individuals under 65.
    • Base credit amount: $1,150 (adjusted annually by the rate of the annual tax increase times the per-$1,000 average valuation of exempted properties).
  • Income-Based Credit (CPI-U Adjusted): An additional credit for owners with combined adjusted gross taxable income not exceeding $23,000, adjusted annually by CPI-U.
    • Additional credits:
    • Ages 65–79: up to $1,500 (additional).
    • Age 80+: up to $4,500 (additional).

Provisions for Exemptions and Credits (Section 1, continued)

  • The town may also provide:
    • A base exemption for those 65+ or disabled under 65, amount up to $2,070 (CPI-U adjusted annually).
    • Additional exemption for those 80+ up to $1,000 (may be adjusted by ordinance).
    • A minimum tax provision: those receiving an exemption must pay at least a minimum annual tax amount established by ordinance.
    • A variable income exemption mechanism:
    • Applies to households with income not exceeding an amount set by ordinance.
    • May exclude Social Security benefits (per ordinance).
    • Annual income verification required.
    • Income threshold for this variable exemption may be adjusted annually with CPI-U (or regional variant).
    • Income eligibility for the variable exemption may be adjusted annually with CPI-U.
    • No income limit applies to exemptions under subsections (a)(1) and (a)(2) for applicants qualifying after the ordinance-established date.

Administrative and Eligibility Details

  • Eligibility Requirements: Town may require proof of age, ownership/occupancy, domicile in town, disability proof, application procedures, deadlines, and income verification documentation.
  • Exemptions are prorated among owners and added to any other exemptions; only one exemption granted per property to co-owners (tenants in common, joint tenants, or all-together owners).

General Provisions

  • Exemptions apply notwithstanding 44-3-15.
  • Administrative framework for exemptions/credits is to be set by Glocester ordinances.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Residents of Glocester who own and occupy property and meet age, disability, or income criteria.
  • Municipal taxpayers where exemptions/credits reduce local property tax liability.
  • Property owners with multiple co-owners (co-tenants) where only one exemption is granted per property.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective Date: Takes effect upon passage.
  • Local government action required: Glocester Town Council would adopt ordinances to implement and adjust exemptions/credits, including eligibility criteria, income thresholds, and CPI adjustments.
  • Potential annual adjustments: CPI-U-based adjustments to amounts and income thresholds, as well as annual verification for variable income exemptions.

Practical Impact

  • Expands local property tax relief tools in Glocester for elderly and disabled homeowners.
  • Introduces non-compounding CPI-adjusted adjustments and a variable income exemption with annual verification.
  • Requires local ordinance adoption to implement and calibrate eligibility, exemptions, and credits.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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