It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 44-5-11.3 of the General Laws in Chapter 44-5 entitled "Levy and Assessment of Taxes" is hereby amended to read as follows:

{ADD 44-5-11.3. Property assessment -- Training and certification. -- ADD} The director of the department of administration, in cooperation with the Rhode Island association of assessing officers shall establish and conduct an annual training institute for local tax assessors. The training institute shall consist of certified training courses in such areas as the cost approach, market data approach, and income approach to property valuation; the use of computer technology for property tax assessments and maintenance, {DEL and DEL} the application of Rhode Island law to property tax administration {DEL . DEL} {ADD , and continuing education. ADD} For this purpose, the department may cooperate with educational institutions, local, regional, state, or national assessor's organizations, and with any other appropriate professional organizations. {DEL An applicant DEL} {ADD A local tax assessor ADD} who has successfully completed the training program or who has obtained the necessary amount of credits shall be awarded the designation of Rhode Island certified assessor (R.I.C.A.).

{ADD Also, an applicant, who is a member of a local assessment personnel staff, who has successfully completed the training program or who has obtained the necessary courses shall be awarded the designation of Rhode Island Certified Assessment Personnel (RICAP). The Rhode Island association of Assessing Officers shall establish a program of recertification for all designated members, which shall be approved by the Department of Administration. ADD}

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.