Rhode Island Senate Bill S2655

Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/22
• Refer: 3/10/22

Caption

Tax Sales

Impact

If passed, this bill would alter the landscape of local tax governance in Cumberland, allowing for a more efficient handling of tax sales by enabling the Land Trust to manage tax titles. This could have implications for local tax revenues and the management of delinquent properties. By authorizing transfers of tax titles to a non-profit entity, the bill may help in the quicker resolution of tax debts, ultimately benefitting community development efforts and land conservation.

Summary

Bill S2655, introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly, seeks to amend Chapter 44-9 of the General Laws, specifically concerning taxation and tax sales. The primary focus of this legislation is to enable the town of Cumberland to transfer tax titles held by the town to the Cumberland Land Trust, Inc. This process requires the approval of the town council and allows for the transfer to be made either with or without monetary consideration. Notably, the bill exempts the town from needing to notify the tax title owner of such transfers, streamlining the process significantly.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding Bill S2655, particularly concerning the lack of required notification to the owners of the tax titles being transferred. This could raise concerns about fairness and transparency, especially for property owners who may be unaware of the transfer until after it occurs. Additionally, questions could arise regarding the administrative responsibilities and authority of the Cumberland Land Trust in managing the tax titles, which may stir debates on local governance and the interests of the community.