WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 2897

AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon and 2 co-sponsors

The bill expands property tax exemptions by listing new targeted exemptions for MAP Behavioral Health Services properties and numerous nonprofits, and allows municipalities to crea

06/09/2026 Committee recommends passage of Sub A
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2897

Overview

  • Bill: SB 2897
  • Session: 2026, Rhode Island
  • Committee: Senate Housing & Municipal Government
  • Introduced: March 4, 2026
  • Sponsors: Quezada, Mack, Bissaillon (co-sponsors)
  • Purpose: Relates to taxation and property subject to taxation; primarily adds targeted exemptions for certain organizations and clarifies or expands authority for local governments to grant exemptions.

Main purpose and intent

  • To exempt specific real and tangible personal property from property taxation in Rhode Island.
  • To expand and formalize authorization for local governments (cities/towns) to create exemptions for tangible personal property to support economic development and local services.
  • To provide targeted relief for named entities and, more broadly, to empower localities to tailor exemptions within existing statutory framework.

Key provisions and changes

  1. Exemption expansion under 44-3-3 (Property Exempt)

    • The bill lists a comprehensive set of exemptions, adding or reaffirming exemptions for various types of property, such as:
      • Real and tangible personal property owned by MAP Behavioral Health Services, Inc. and MAP Development Corporation (Providence properties: 37 Greenwich Street, 41 Greenwich Street, 345 Elmwood Avenue, 59 Burnett Street, 63 Burnett Street).
      • A long, detailed roster of nonprofit organizations (primarily 501(c)(3)) and facilities across Rhode Island, including hospitals, libraries, veterans’ organizations, religious groups, cultural institutions, health and human services providers, arts organizations, youth and community groups, among others. The section enumerates specific properties and locations in multiple municipalities.
    • Several existing exemptions are reaffirmed or refined, including:
      • Exemptions for state-owned property, lands held by the United States, certain religious/educational properties, veterans’ organizations, libraries, hospitals, volunteer fire/ambulance services, and preservation societies, among others.
      • Specific allowances for municipalities to exempt certain manufacturing machinery and equipment (subject to local ordinance) and to adopt targeted exemptions for tangible personal property to spur economic development (requiring compliance with § 44-5-12.2).

  2. For-profit hospital facility valuation considerations (44-3-3(b))

    • When a for-profit hospital facility is taxed, its real and personal property value is governed by a defined valuation approach:
      • If a for-profit hospital facility has not recently been taxed, its value is determined by the assessor’s initial valuation to establish an assessed value for that transition year.
      • The for-profit facility may appeal adverse decisions to the local board of tax review and then to the Rhode Island Superior Court Business Calendar.
      • Stabilization agreements with municipalities remain possible under § 44-3-9 or similar laws; in transition years, the levy or stabilization payments related to the for-profit facility are excluded from calculating the maximum levy under § 44-5-2.
    • This section clarifies treatment during conversion from nonprofit to for-profit status or initial establishment of a for-profit hospital.

  3. Local exemptions for tangible personal property (44-3-3(c))

    • Municipalities may establish local exemptions for tangible personal property via formal action.
    • Exemptions must be uniform and comply with local tax classifications and § 44-5-12.2.
    • This provision is aimed at enabling economic development and targeted relief for businesses.

Who and what would be affected

  • Affected property types:
    • A broad list of real and tangible personal property owned or held in trust by numerous nonprofit organizations, educational and cultural institutions, health and social service providers, and other civic organizations.
    • Specific properties named in the bill (Providence, East Providence, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, North Kingstown, Bristol, Charlestown, etc.).
    • MAP Behavioral Health Services and MAP Development Corporation properties in Providence.
  • Affected entities:
    • Nonprofit organizations, charitable trusts, cultural institutions, health and social service providers, libraries, veterans’ groups, religious organizations, and other community-serving entities.
    • For-profit hospitals undergoing conversion or stabilization agreements (valuation and tax treatment provisions).
    • Municipalities can tailor tangible personal property exemptions to support local economic development.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: The act would take effect upon passage.
  • Legislative actions noted:
    • Scheduled consideration in June 2026; prior committee actions included holding for study and hearings in spring 2026.
  • Administrative/appeals:
    • For for-profit hospital valuation, appeals process to local boards and then to the Rhode Island Superior Court Business Calendar is specified.
  • Local governance implications:
    • Local bodies (city/town councils) can enact exemptions for tangible personal property and must follow the established statutory framework (including compliance checks like § 44-5-12.2).

Notable explanatory note

  • Explanation section clarifies that the act would specifically exempt MAP Behavioral Health Services, Inc. and MAP Development Corporation properties listed in the Explanation, effective upon passage.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a particular audience (e.g., policymakers, nonprofit stakeholders, or municipal finance officers) or provide a side-by-side comparison with current law to highlight net changes.

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

Sign in to ask a question.