2026-6 Resolution of the Council, re:

No: 2026-6

RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF MIDDLETOWN

REQUESTING THE MIDDLETOWN STATE LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION TO DRAFT, INTRODUCE, AND SUPPORT LEGISLATION EXTENDING THE VETERANS’ PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION REGARDLESS OF DATES OF SERVICE

WHEREAS, the Town of Middletown recognizes and values the service and sacrifice of all veterans of the United States Armed Forces; and

WHEREAS, Rhode Island General Laws § 44-3-4 currently limits eligibility for the statutory veterans’ property tax exemption to veterans who served during specified conflicts or service periods, subject to limited exceptions; and

WHEREAS, the Town Council believes that veterans who served honorably, or who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, merit equal recognition and consideration regardless of when their service occurred; and

WHEREAS, authorizing municipalities to extend this exemption would promote fairness, consistency, and appropriate local discretion in recognizing veteran service;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Town Council of the Town of Middletown that the Middletown State Legislative Delegation is hereby respectfully requested to draft, introduce, and support legislation amending R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-3-4 to authorize municipalities to grant a veterans’ property tax exemption to any veteran of the United States Armed Forces who was honorably discharged, or discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, regardless of dates or periods of service; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that such legislation should be permissive in nature, allowing municipalities to adopt the exemption by local ordinance and to determine the exemption amount consistent with state law; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Clerk is directed to transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the members of the Middletown State Legislative Delegation.

JANUARY 5, 2026

READ AND PASSED IN COUNCIL

Wendy J. W. Marshall, MMC
Town Clerk