14-R388

2014 -- S 3142

Enacted 06/20/14

S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE RHODE ISLAND VEHICLE VALUE COMMISSION

TO UNDERTAKE A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY REGARDING THE IMPACT OF BASING

THE ASSESSMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE TAXES ON ALTERNATIVE GUIDES

Introduced By: Senators Pichardo, and Metts

Date Introduced: June 20, 2014

     WHEREAS, Pursuant to R.I.G.L. Chapter 44-34, municipalities are authorized to

administer and collect an excise tax on registered motor vehicles and trailers; and

     WHEREAS, Pursuant to §44-34-3, the assessment of used motor vehicles for the

purposes of the motor vehicle excise tax is currently based on the average retail price of similar

vehicles; and

     WHEREAS, Basing the assessment of used motor vehicles on the average trade-in value

of similar vehicles may better take into account the actual condition of the vehicle, including its

mileage and usage, and may provide relief to some taxpayers; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby respectfully requests that the Rhode Island Vehicle Value Commission undertakes a

comprehensive study regarding the impacts of basing the assessment of used motor vehicles, for

the purposes of the motor vehicle excise tax, on the average trade-in value of similar vehicles as

reported by motor vehicle dealers or by official used car guides, such as that of the National

Automobile Dealers Association; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this Senate hereby respectfully requests that said comprehensive study

include, but not be limited to:

(1) The estimated impact of such a change on municipal revenue derived from the motor

vehicle excise tax;

(2) The estimated impact of such a change on taxpayers; and

(3) Any statutory, regulatory, or procedural barriers to implementing such a change; and

be it further

     RESOLVED, That this Senate hereby respectfully requests that the Commission

complete and submit said study to the Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives,

and the President of the Senate, on or before February 3, 2015; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Chair of the Rhode Island Vehicle Value

Commission.

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LC006044

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