It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 44-3-34 of the General Laws in Chapter 44-3 entitled "Property Subject to Taxation" is hereby amended to read as follows:

{ADD 44-3-34. Homeowner exemption -- City of Central Falls. -- ADD} (a) The city council of the city of Central Falls, may, by ordinance provide that the property of each person who shall be a domiciled resident of the city of Central Falls and which property is the principal residence of said person shall be exempt from taxation {DEL in an amount not to exceed three thousand dollars ($3,000.) of assessed valuation. DEL} {ADD as follows: single-family dwellings not to exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000) of assessed valuation; two (2) family dwellings not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) of assessed valuation; three (3) and four (4) family dwellings and commercial units not to exceed three thousand dollars ($3,000) of assessed valuation. ADD} Said exemption shall be applied to residential property {DEL only but DEL} {ADD and ADD} shall {DEL not DEL} include property with {DEL more than DEL} {ADD up to a total of ADD} four (4) residential units {DEL or property which also includes a DEL} {ADD and may include one (1) ADD} commercial or professional use {ADD unit ADD} as part of the {ADD total of four (4) ADD} assessed {DEL unit DEL} {ADD units ADD} ; provided, that the person entitled to the exemption shall have presented to the city tax assessors, on or before the last day on which sworn statements may be filed with the assessors for the year for which exemption is claimed. Said person shall be entitled to said exemption as long as his or her legal residence remains unchanged.

(b) Each person upon such application for exemption shall provide by means of a sworn statement to the assessor clear and convincing evidence to establish his or her legal residence at the property subject to the exemption.

(c) In the event that the property subject to said exemption should be sold or otherwise transferred during the year for which the exemption is claimed to a person who shall not qualify for said exemption, said exemption shall be deemed void and the seller or transferor shall be liable to the city for reimbursement of any tax benefit received as a result of the exemption.

(d) The city council of the city of Central Falls shall by ordinance establish rules and regulations governing the acceptance of evidence of residence.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.