reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-59 - District Management Authorities › Section 45-59-7. - Creation of authority.

§ 45-59-7. Creation of authority.
(a)
After the hearing, the city or town council may approve the petition by ordinance or resolution which will contain a finding to the effect that:
(1)
The petition has been submitted by persons who own real property located within the proposed district, and in any proposed subdistrict, constituting in the aggregate sixty percent (60%) of the aggregate assessed valuation of all real property not exempt from taxation by law; and
(2)
A majority of the area of the land located within the proposed district is devoted to commercial and retail uses.
(b)
For purposes of the finding required by subdivision (a)(1) of this section, the city or town council may conclusively rely on the records of the city or town assessors to determine the ownership of real property located within the proposed district (barring actual notice to the contrary).
(c)
Upon the approval of the petition by the city or town council, a management district and a district management authority will thereby be created. The city or town council may approve or disapprove the petition; it will have no authority to create a management district or district management authority which differs from that sought by the petition.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 205, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 373, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-59 - District Management Authorities › Section 45-59-8. - The authority.

§ 45-59-8. The authority.
The district management authority thus created will be a body corporate and politic and an instrumentality and agency of the municipality within which the management district is located but having a distinct legal existence from the municipality. It is hereby declared that in exercising the powers granted to it by this chapter, the district management authority will exercise public and essential governmental functions of the municipality. No part of the net earnings of the district management authority will be distributable to, or inure to the benefit of, any private person.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 205, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 373, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-59 - District Management Authorities › Section 45-59-9. - Purposes of authority.

§ 45-59-9. Purposes of authority.
(a)
Except as its purposes may be limited by the petition, the management district commission authority will have the following purposes within the management district:
(1)
To provide for the cleaning of the public streets and sidewalks and the removal of snow;
(2)
To provide for security; however, nothing contained in this section shall bestow or authorize any police powers on any security force established by this provision;
(3)
To install, repair and maintain public streets and sidewalks and lighting for public streets and sidewalks;
(4)
To install, repair and maintain street signs;
(5)
To provide for landscaping and the repair and maintenance of public spaces;
(6)
To provide for refuse collection and removal;
(7)
To provide for motor vehicle parking;
(8)
To sponsor and promote recreational, cultural and retail activities;
(9)
To promote the development of the management district including collecting and disseminating information;
(10)
To construct public facilities; and
(11)
To provide such other services and facilities within the management district as may be beneficial to the management district and the property owners, tenants and other occupants in the district.
(b)
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to authorize or bestow any police powers upon the security force established in this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 205, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 373, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-59 - District Management Authorities › Section 45-59-10. - Powers of authority.

§ 45-59-10. Powers of authority.
Except as its powers may be limited by the petition, the district management authority will have the power:
(1)
To have perpetual succession unless a limited period of duration is stated in the petition;
(2)
To sue and be sued, complain and defend, in its corporate name;
(3)
To have a corporate seal which may be altered at pleasure, and to use the seal by causing it, or a facsimile of the seal, to be impressed or affixed or in any other manner reproduced;
(4)
To purchase, take, receive, lease, take by gift, devise or bequest, or otherwise acquire, own, hold, improve, use and otherwise deal in and with real or personal property or any interest in property, wherever situated, and without restriction as to amount;
(5)
To sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, transfer and otherwise dispose of all or any part of its property and assets;
(6)
To purchase, take, receive, subscribe for, or otherwise acquire, own, hold, vote, use, employ, sell, mortgage, lend, pledge or otherwise dispose of, and otherwise use and deal in and with, shares or other interests in, or obligations of domestic or foreign corporations, whether for profit or not for profit, limited liability companies, associations, partnerships or individuals, or direct or indirect obligations of the United States, or of any other government, state, territory, governmental district or municipality or of any instrumentality thereof;
(7)
To make contracts and guarantees and incur liabilities, borrow money, for periods of three (3) years or less, at such rates of interest as the district management authority may determine, issue its notes and other obligations, guarantee debts and secure any of its obligations by mortgage or pledge of all or any of its property, assets and income;
(8)
To lend money for its purposes, invest and reinvest its funds, and to take and hold real and personal property as security for the payments of funds so loaned or invested;
(9)
To elect or appoint officers and agents of the district management authority and to define their duties and fix their compensation;
(10)
To make and alter bylaws, not inconsistent with the petition or with the laws of this state, for the administration and regulation of the affairs of the district management authority;
(11)
To accept grants or funds from the state and from nonprofit corporations;
(12)
To have and exercise all other powers necessary or convenient to effect any or all of the purposes for which the district management authority is created.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 205, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 373, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-59 - District Management Authorities › Section 45-59-11. - Bylaws.

§ 45-59-11. Bylaws.
The board of directors of the district management authority may adopt bylaws containing provisions for the regulation and management of the activities of the district management authority.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 205, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 373, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-59 - District Management Authorities › Section 45-59-12. - Governing board.

§ 45-59-12. Governing board.
(a)
The activities of the district management authority will be managed by a board of directors which will consist of nine (9) members.
(b)
All of the directors will be owners or tenants of real property (not exempt from taxation by law) located within the management district or residents of the management district, or managers of real property (not exempt from taxation by law) located within the management district except for: (1) the chief elected officer of the municipality or his or her designee, (2) owners of real property located within the management district which is exempt from taxation by law who are voluntarily contributing to the costs of operating the management district.
(c)
Two (2) of the directors will be appointed by the chief elected officer of the municipality within which the district management authority is located, one of whom may be the chief elected officer of the municipality or his or her designee and the other will be an owner of real property (not exempt from taxation by law) located within the management district. Seven (7) of the directors will be appointed by the organization which was designated in the petition submitted pursuant to § 45-59-5; four (4) of the seven (7) directors so appointed will be owners of real property (not exempt from taxation by law) located within the management district or owners of real property located within the management district which is exempt from taxation by law who are voluntarily contributing to the costs of operating the management district.
(d)
Terms for the directors will be as follows:
(1)
The chief elected officer will assign to the persons initially appointed by him or her terms of one and two (2) years so that the terms of the directors so appointed will expire on the last days of the first and second fiscal years respectively.
(2)
The business organization designated in the petition filed pursuant to § 45-59-5 will assign to the seven (7) persons initially appointed by it, terms of one year (as to two (2) of them), two (2) years (as to two (2) of them), and three (3) years (as to three (3) of them) so that the terms of the directors so appointed will expire on the last days of the first, second and third fiscal years respectively.
(3)
Beginning on the last day of the first fiscal year and on the last day of each succeeding fiscal year, the appointing authorities will appoint directors, to succeed the directors whose terms are then expiring, which successor directors will serve for terms of three (3) years and thereafter until their successors are appointed and will have qualified.
(e)
Directors will receive no compensation for the performance of their duties but may be reimbursed for their reasonable expenses in carrying out such duties.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 205, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 373, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-59 - District Management Authorities › Section 45-59-13. - Officers.

§ 45-59-13. Officers.
(a)
The officers of a district management authority will consist of a chairperson, a treasurer and a secretary, each of whom will be elected by the board of directors. Such other officers and assistant officers and agents as may be deemed necessary may be elected or appointed by the board of directors at any time and in any manner that may be prescribed by the bylaws. Any two (2) or more offices may be held by the same person.
(b)
All officers and agents of the district management authority will have such authority and perform such duties in the management of the district management authority as may be provided in the bylaws, or as may be determined by resolution or vote of the board of directors, subject to any limitations on such authority contained in the bylaws.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 205, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 373, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-59 - District Management Authorities › Section 45-59-14. - Annual budget.

§ 45-59-14. Annual budget.
(a)
Not later than sixty (60) days prior to the beginning of each fiscal year, the district management authority will annually prepare an operating budget containing:
(1)
An estimate of surplus from its current fiscal year available for expenditure in the ensuing fiscal year;
(2)
An estimate of receipts for the ensuing fiscal year from the special tax assessment provided for in this chapter;
(3)
An estimate of receipts for the ensuing fiscal year from all other sources; and
(4)
An estimate of expenditures for the ensuing fiscal year for the carrying on of the district management authority’s activities including debt service, if any.
(b)
Prior to the adoption of the budget, the district management authority will hold a public hearing thereon at which all interested persons may be heard. Notice of the public hearing will be given by publication in a newspaper of general circulation within the municipality at least once a week for three (3) successive weeks prior to the date of the hearing.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 205, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 373, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-59 - District Management Authorities › Section 45-59-15. - Special tax assessments.

§ 45-59-15. Special tax assessments.
Each district management authority will have the power to apportion the annual operating expenses of the district management authority among the owners of ratable real property, not otherwise exempt by law, located within the management district by a special tax assessment. The special tax assessment will be based on the factors set forth in the petition approved by the city or town council. The rate of the special tax assessment with respect to any subdistrict may vary in the amount from the rate of the special tax assessment generally applicable to the owners of ratable real property within the management district. The special tax assessments made by a district management authority will not be considered to be a tax of the municipality for purposes of § 44-5-2.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 205, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 373, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-59 - District Management Authorities › Section 45-59-16. - Limit on assessments.

§ 45-59-16. Limit on assessments.
The total of the special tax assessments levied on the ratable real property within the management district will not exceed ten percent (10%) of the total of the real property taxes levied on the ratable real property within the management district, not exempt from taxation by law, for the fiscal year of the municipality that ends within or with the fiscal year of the district management authority.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 205, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 373, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-59 - District Management Authorities › Section 45-59-17. - Collection of assessments.

§ 45-59-17. Collection of assessments.
The assessments made by any district management authority will be collected by the tax collector of the municipality within which the management district is located for the account of the district management authority. The assessments so collected will not be commingled with funds of the municipality and forthwith upon their collection will be remitted to the district management authority. Assessments will be a lien on the real property of the persons against whom the assessments are made in the same manner as taxes assessed by a municipality under § 44-9-1. Tax collectors of municipalities within which management districts are created will have the same powers with respect to assessments and their collection as are granted to them by chapter 9 of title 44 of the general laws with respect to municipal property taxes except that these powers will be exercised for and on behalf of the district management authority.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 205, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 373, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-59 - District Management Authorities › Section 45-59-18. - Petition for relief from assessment.

§ 45-59-18. Petition for relief from assessment.
(a)
Any person aggrieved on any ground whatsoever by any assessment against him or her by a district management authority in any municipality may within three (3) months after the last day appointed for the payment without penalty of the assessment, or the first installment of the payment, if the assessment is payable in installments, file a notice of appeal with the district management authority, and within thirty (30) days thereafter, file a petition in the superior court for the county within which the municipality is located for relief from the assessment, to which petition the district management authority will be made a party respondent, and the clerk of the superior court will thereupon issue a citation substantially in the following form:
To the sheriff of the several counties, or to the deputies, Greetings:
We command you to summon the treasurer of (the district management authority): to wit, ....................................... of ....................................... (if to be found in your precinct) to answer the complaint of ....................................... of ....................................... on the return day hereof (said return day being the ........... day of ..................... , A.D. 20........... ) in the superior court to be holden at the county's courthouse in as by petition filed in court is fully set forth; and to show cause why said petition should not be granted.
Hereof fail not, and make true return of this writ with your doings thereon.
Witness, the seal of our superior court, at ....................................... this day of ..................... in the year, A.D. 20........... .
_______________________________________ , Clerk
(b)
The petition will be subject to the provisions of §§ 44-5-26 — 44-5-31 insofar as those sections may be applicable.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 205, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 373, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-59 - District Management Authorities › Section 45-59-19. - Agreements with the state.

§ 45-59-19. Agreements with the state.
The state and a district management authority may enter into agreements pursuant to which the state agrees with the district management authority that the district management authority will thereafter undertake services previously provided by the state in consideration of the state’s paying to the district management authority of such sums as the parties may agree to.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 205, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 373, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-59 - District Management Authorities › Section 45-59-20. - Agreements with municipalities.

§ 45-59-20. Agreements with municipalities.
The services provided by a district management authority will be supplemental to the services otherwise provided by the municipality within the management district.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 205, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 373, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-59 - District Management Authorities › Section 45-59-21. - Amendment.

§ 45-59-21. Amendment.
At any time after the approval of a petition and the creation of a district management authority, the boundaries of the management district and the purposes and powers of the district management authority may be amended by the filing of a petition for amendment. The petition will set forth the amendments sought; it will be signed either: (1) by not less than two-thirds (⅔) of the members of the district management authority board of directors or, (2) in the event that additional property is to be included within the district, by persons who own real property located within the additional property which is to be included within the revised boundary of the district and who constitute in the aggregate, sixty percent (60%) of the aggregate assessed valuation of all real property, not exempt from taxation by law, of such additional real property. The petition will be heard and acted upon by the city or town council in the same manner as petitions are required to be heard and acted upon pursuant to §§ 45-59-6 and 45-59-7. Upon the approval of the petition for amendment by the city or town council, the boundaries of the management district and the purposes and powers of the district management authority will be as set forth in the petition for amendment.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 205, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 373, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-59 - District Management Authorities › Section 45-59-23. - Exemption from taxation.

§ 45-59-23. Exemption from taxation.
(a)
Any notes or other obligations issued by any district management authority, their transfer and the income from the notes or obligations (including any profits made on the sale of the notes or obligations), will at all times be free from taxation by the state or any political subdivision or other instrumentality of the state.
(b)
The exercise of the powers granted by this chapter will be in all respects for the benefit of the people of this state and of the municipalities within which the district management authorities will undertake their activities, the increase of their commerce, welfare and prosperity and for the improvement of their health and living conditions and will constitute the performance of essential governmental functions and the district management authorities will not be required to pay any real or personal property taxes or assessments upon or in respect of any property owned by them levied by any municipality or other political subdivision of the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 205, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 373, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-59 - District Management Authorities › Section 45-59-24. - Credit of municipality not pledged.

§ 45-59-24. Credit of municipality not pledged.
Notes and other obligations of a district management authority will not be deemed to constitute the debt or a pledge of the faith and credit of the municipality.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 205, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 373, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-59 - District Management Authorities › Section 45-59-25. - Exemption from liability.

§ 45-59-25. Exemption from liability.
No member of the board of directors of a district management authority and no officer of an authority will be held civilly liable for any breach of his or her duties as such member or officer except for liability: (1) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or knowing violation of law, or (2) for any transaction from which such member or officer derived an improper personal benefit, or (3) for any malicious, willful or wanton act.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 205, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 373, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-59 - District Management Authorities › Section 45-59-26. - Applicability of other laws.

§ 45-59-26. Applicability of other laws.
(a)
District management authorities will be subject to the provisions of chapter 14.1 of title 37 (Minority Business Enterprise), chapter 2 of title 38 (Access to Public Records) and chapter 46 of title 42 (Open Meetings) of the general laws. District management authorities will also be subject to the provisions of chapter 14 of title 36 (Code of Ethics) of the general laws except as follows: (1) the directors and officers of the directors will not be required to file the financial statement required by § 36-14-16, and (2) a director or officer of a district management authority will not have an interest which is in substantial conflict with the proper discharge of his or her duties and of his or her responsibilities under this chapter if any benefit or detriment accrues to him or her or any person within his or her family or any business associate, or any business by which the person is employed or in which the person has an interest or which the person represents, by virtue of the ownership or occupation of real property located within the management district.
(b)
District management authorities will not be subject to laws or ordinances relating to the purchasing of property or services or the making of contracts and, except as provided in subsection (a) above, will not be subject to laws or ordinances relating generally to municipalities or to municipal agencies or departments.
(c)
Employees of district management authorities will not be considered to be public or municipal employees.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 205, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 373, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-59 - District Management Authorities › Section 45-59-27. - Notice of creation of district; actions to contest.

§ 45-59-27. Notice of creation of district; actions to contest.
Notice of the creation of a management district and a district management authority will be given by publication in a newspaper of general circulation within the municipality at some time subsequent to the approval of the petition by the city or town council as provided in § 45-59-7. Actions to contest the validity of the proceedings for the creation of the management district and the district management authority must be commenced within sixty (60) days after the date of the notice and no action thereafter commenced will raise any question concerning the validity of the proceedings and the creation of the management district and the district management authority. After the expiration of the sixty (60) day period, the validity of the proceedings and the creation of the management district and the district management authority will be conclusively presumed.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 205, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 373, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-59.1 - Tourism Improvement Districts › Section 45-59.1-1. - Short title.

§ 45-59.1-1. Short title.
This act shall be known and may be cited as the “Tourism Improvement Districts Act.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 282, § 1, effective June 29, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 283, § 1, effective June 29, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-59.1 - Tourism Improvement Districts › Section 45-59.1-2. - Legislative findings and purpose.

§ 45-59.1-2. Legislative findings and purpose.
(a)
It is found and declared that:
(1)
Tourism is a major source of employment, income, and tax revenues in this state, and the expansion of the tourism industry is vital to the growth of the state’s economy.
(2)
The tourism industry is important to this state, not only because of the number of people it serves and the vast human, financial, and physical resources it employs, but because of the benefits tourism and related activities confer on individuals and on society as a whole.
(3)
Local government oversight and resources are needed to implement a coordinated and effective marketing program consistent with the needs of specific areas of this state, and to optimize the considerable investment of time, energy, capital, and resources being made by the tourism industry.
(b)
It is the purpose of this chapter to authorize municipalities to create tourism improvement districts for the purpose of providing the services and undertaking the activities described in this chapter to supplement, not supplant, existing funding provided by the state and municipalities implementing a tourism investment district.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 282, § 1, effective June 29, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 283, § 1, effective June 29, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-59.1 - Tourism Improvement Districts › Section 45-59.1-3. - Definitions.

§ 45-59.1-3. Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(1)
“Activity” means any programs or services provided for the purpose of conferring specific benefits upon the businesses that are located in the tourism improvement district and to which an assessment is charged.
(2)
“Assessment” means a levy for the purpose of providing activities and improvements that will provide benefits to businesses located within a tourism improvement district that are subject to the tourism improvement district assessment. Assessments may be based on a percent of gross business revenue, a fixed dollar amount per transaction, or any other reasonable method based upon benefit, and approved by the municipality.
(3)
“Authorizing resolution” means a resolution adopted by the municipality that authorizes the formation or renewal of a tourism improvement district and the levying of assessments.
(4)
“Business” means any business establishment of the type or class that is described in the tourism improvement district plan and the authorizing resolution.
(5)
“Business owner” means any person recognized by the municipality as the owner of the business. The municipality has no obligation to obtain other information as to the ownership of businesses, and its determination of ownership shall be final and conclusive for the purposes of this chapter. Wherever this chapter requires the signature of the business owner, the signature of the authorized representative of the business owner shall be sufficient.
(6)
“Improvement” means an acquisition, construction, installation, or maintenance relating to tangible property, with an estimated useful life of five (5) years or more that is designed to provide benefits to assessed businesses.
(7)
“Lead municipality” means the municipality in which the tourism improvement district plan is filed for the establishment of a tourism improvement district where such district includes more than one municipality.
(8)
“Municipality” means any city or town in the state of Rhode Island.
(9)
“Owners’ association” means a new or existing nonprofit corporation charged with promoting tourism within the area of the tourism improvement district that is under contract with the municipality to administer the tourism improvement district and implement activities and improvements specified in the tourism improvement district plan.
(10)
“Tourism improvement district” means a tourism improvement district established pursuant to this chapter.
(11)
“Tourism improvement district plan” means a plan as prescribed in § 45-59.1-5.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 282, § 1, effective June 29, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 283, § 1, effective June 29, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-59.1 - Tourism Improvement Districts › Section 45-59.1-4. - Boundaries of a tourism improvement district — Requirement of consent.

§ 45-59.1-4. Boundaries of a tourism improvement district — Requirement of consent.
(a)
Municipalities may create tourism improvement districts pursuant to this chapter.
(b)
A municipality may form a tourism improvement district that assesses any business located within the boundaries as determined by the municipality. Should any lead municipality choose to include other municipalities within the boundaries of a tourism improvement district, each participating municipality must provide written consent from the governing body of each participating municipality. In the event there are multiple consenting municipalities, upon successful receipt of consent from all participating municipalities, the lead municipality shall govern and administer the tourism improvement district.
(c)
The boundaries of any proposed tourism improvement district may overlap with the boundaries of another tax, assessment, or special tax assessment area or management district created pursuant to Rhode Island law.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 282, § 1, effective June 29, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 283, § 1, effective June 29, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-59.1 - Tourism Improvement Districts › Section 45-59.1-6. - Initiation of proceedings — Petition for a proposed tourism improvement district.

§ 45-59.1-6. Initiation of proceedings — Petition for a proposed tourism improvement district.
(a)
Upon submission to the clerk of a municipality of a written petition, the municipality may initiate proceedings to form a tourism improvement district by adopting a resolution expressing its intention to form a tourism improvement district. The written petition may be signed by either:
(1)
Business owners or their authorized representatives who will pay sixty percent (60%) or more of the assessments proposed to be levied; or
(2)
Business owners or their authorized representatives who constitute sixty percent (60%) or more of the total rooms within the tourism improvement district.
(b)
The petition of business owners required under subsection (a) of this section shall include a summary of the tourism improvement district plan. That summary shall include all of the following:
(1)
A map showing the boundaries of the tourism improvement district.
(2)
The types or classes of businesses that will be subject to the assessment.
(3)
The assessment rate for the types or classes of business that will be subject to the assessment.
(4)
Information specifying where the complete tourism improvement district plan can be obtained.
(5)
Information specifying that the complete tourism improvement district plan shall be furnished upon request.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 282, § 1, effective June 29, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 283, § 1, effective June 29, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-59.1 - Tourism Improvement Districts › Section 45-59.1-7. - Hearing on establishment or renewal.

§ 45-59.1-7. Hearing on establishment or renewal.
(a)
If the municipality has received a successful petition pursuant to § 45-59.1-6, the municipality shall hold a public hearing on the establishment or renewal of the tourism improvement district prior to adoption of the authorizing resolution. Notice of the public hearing shall be mailed to the owners of the businesses proposed to be subject to the assessment.
(b)
The municipality shall provide at least thirty (30) days’ written notice of the public hearing at which the municipality proposes to establish or renew the tourism improvement district and levy the assessment.
(c)
A protest may be made by any business owner that will be subject to the proposed assessment. Every protest shall be in writing and shall be filed with the municipality at or before the time fixed for the public hearing. The municipality may waive any irregularity in the form or content of any written protest. A written protest may be withdrawn in writing at any time before the conclusion of the public hearing. Each written protest shall contain a description of the business in which the person subscribing the protest is interested that shall be sufficient to identify the business and, if a person subscribing is not shown on the official records of the municipality as the owner of the business, the protest shall contain or be accompanied by written evidence that the person subscribing is the owner of the business or the authorized representative. A written protest that does not comply with this section shall not be counted in determining a majority protest. If written protests are received from sixty percent (60%) or more of business owners or their authorized representatives, as determined via the same majority calculation method chosen in § 45-59.1-6, and protests are not withdrawn so as to reduce the protests to less than sixty percent (60%), the municipality shall not levy the assessment.
(d)
If a tourism improvement district includes multiple municipalities or portions thereof, the notice and hearing process set forth in this section shall be conducted by the lead municipality.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 282, § 1, effective June 29, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 283, § 1, effective June 29, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-59.1 - Tourism Improvement Districts › Section 45-59.1-8. - Changes to proposed assessment.

§ 45-59.1-8. Changes to proposed assessment.
At the conclusion of the public hearing to establish or renew a tourism improvement district, the municipality may adopt, revise, change, reduce, or modify the proposed assessments, the boundaries of the tourism improvement district, or the types or classes of businesses within the tourism improvement district that would be subject to the assessment. Proposed assessments may only be revised by reducing them, either independently or together in a uniform manner. The proposed tourism improvement district boundary may only be revised to exclude territory that will not benefit from the proposed activities and improvements. The types or classes of businesses that will be subject to the proposed assessment may only be revised to exclude the business types or classes that will not benefit from the proposed activities and improvements. Any modifications, revisions, reductions, or changes to the proposed tourism improvement district plan shall be reflected in the tourism improvement district plan prior to the municipality’s adoption of the resolution creating or renewing the tourism improvement district.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 282, § 1, effective June 29, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 283, § 1, effective June 29, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-59.1 - Tourism Improvement Districts › Section 45-59.1-9. - Authorizing resolution.

§ 45-59.1-9. Authorizing resolution.
(a)
If the municipality, following the public hearing, decides to establish or renew a proposed tourism improvement district, the municipality shall adopt an authorizing resolution that shall include, but is not limited to, all of the following:
(1)
A brief description of the proposed activities and improvements, the amount of the proposed assessment, a statement as to the types or classes of businesses that will be subject to the assessment, and a description of the exterior boundaries of the tourism improvement district, which may be made by reference to any plan or map that is on file with the municipality. The descriptions and statements need not be detailed and shall be sufficient if they enable an owner to generally identify the nature and extent of the activities and improvements and the location and extent of the tourism improvement district.
(2)
The time and place where the public hearing was held concerning the establishment or renewal of the tourism improvement district.
(3)
A determination regarding any protests received. The municipality shall not establish or renew the tourism improvement district or levy assessments if a majority protest was received as described in § 45-59.1-7(c).
(4)
A statement that the businesses in the tourism improvement district established by the resolution shall be subject to any amendments to this chapter.
(5)
A statement that the activities and improvements to be conferred on businesses in the tourism improvement district will be funded by the proceeds of assessments. The revenue from the assessments within a tourism improvement district shall not be used for any purpose other than the purposes specified in the tourism improvement district plan, as authorized or modified by the municipality at the hearing concerning establishment or renewal of the tourism improvement district.
(6)
A finding that the businesses within the tourism improvement district will benefit from the activities and improvements funded by the tourism improvement district assessments.
(b)
The adoption of the authorizing resolution shall constitute the levy of assessments in each of the years referred to in the tourism improvement district plan.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 282, § 1, effective June 29, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 283, § 1, effective June 29, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-59.1 - Tourism Improvement Districts › Section 45-59.1-10. - Expiration of tourism improvement district term.

§ 45-59.1-10. Expiration of tourism improvement district term.
If a tourism improvement district expires due to the term specified in § 45-59.1-5(a)(8), a new tourism improvement district plan may be created and the tourism improvement district may be renewed pursuant to this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 282, § 1, effective June 29, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 283, § 1, effective June 29, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-59.1 - Tourism Improvement Districts › Section 45-59.1-11. - Time and manner of collection of assessments — Delinquent payments.

§ 45-59.1-11. Time and manner of collection of assessments — Delinquent payments.
(a)
The collection of the assessments levied pursuant to this chapter shall be made at the time and in the manner set forth by the municipality in the authorizing resolution. All delinquent payments for assessments levied pursuant to this chapter may be charged interest and penalties.
(b)
Any delinquent payments for assessments, along with any interest or penalties, shall constitute a debt owed the municipality and may be collectable by the municipality as a debt under law.
(c)
Any delinquent payments for assessments, interest, or penalties recovered under this section shall be expended in the same manner as provided in the authorizing resolution for proceeds of the assessment.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 282, § 1, effective June 29, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 283, § 1, effective June 29, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-59.1 - Tourism Improvement Districts › Section 45-59.1-12. - Validity of assessment.

§ 45-59.1-12. Validity of assessment.
The validity of an assessment levied under this chapter shall not be contested in any action or proceeding unless the action or proceeding is commenced within thirty (30) days after the authorizing resolution is adopted pursuant to § 45-59.1-9. Any appeal from a final judgment in an action or proceeding shall be perfected within thirty (30) days after the entry of judgment.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 282, § 1, effective June 29, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 283, § 1, effective June 29, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-59.1 - Tourism Improvement Districts › Section 45-59.1-13. - Certification to establish levels of services and funding.

§ 45-59.1-13. Certification to establish levels of services and funding.
The tourism improvement district is intended to provide supplemental funding and services and not to supplant existing funding or services. After establishing a tourism improvement district, the municipality shall not decrease the level of publicly funded tourism promotion services in a tourism improvement district existing prior to the creation of such tourism improvement district.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 282, § 1, effective June 29, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 283, § 1, effective June 29, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-59.1 - Tourism Improvement Districts › Section 45-59.1-14. - Modification to the tourism improvement district plan.

§ 45-59.1-14. Modification to the tourism improvement district plan.
(a)
The owners’ association, at any time, may request that the municipality modify the tourism improvement district plan. Any modification of the tourism improvement district plan shall be made pursuant to this chapter. The tourism improvement district plan shall not be modified, except by the request of the owners’ association and only in the manner requested by the owners’ association.
(b)
Upon the written request of the owners’ association, the municipality may modify the tourism improvement district plan by adopting a resolution determining to make the modifications after conducting one public hearing on the proposed modifications. If the modification includes the levy of a new or increased assessment or the expansion of the tourism improvement district’s geographic boundaries, the municipality shall comply with all procedures required for establishment of a new tourism improvement district provided by this chapter. Notice of all other public hearings pursuant to this section shall comply with both of the following:
(1)
The resolution of intention to modify shall be published once at least seven (7) days before the public hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the municipality.
(2)
A complete copy of the resolution of intention to modify shall be mailed by first class mail, at least ten (10) days before the public hearing, to each business owner affected by the proposed modification.
(c)
The municipality shall adopt a resolution of intention to modify which states the proposed modification prior to the public hearing required by this section. The public hearing shall be held not more than ninety (90) days after the adoption of the resolution of intention to modify.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 282, § 1, effective June 29, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 283, § 1, effective June 29, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-59.1 - Tourism Improvement Districts › Section 45-59.1-15. - Reports.

§ 45-59.1-15. Reports.
(a)
The owners’ association shall cause to be prepared a report for each fiscal year, except the first year, for which assessments are to be levied and collected to pay the costs of the activities described in the report. The owners’ association’s first report shall be due ninety (90) days after the first year of operation of the tourism improvement district.
(b)
The report shall be filed with the municipality and shall refer to the tourism improvement district by name, specify the fiscal year to which the report applies, and, with respect to that fiscal year, shall contain all of the following information:
(1)
The activities and improvements to be provided for that fiscal year.
(2)
An estimate of the cost of providing the activities and improvements for that fiscal year.
(3)
The method and basis of levying the assessments in sufficient detail to allow each business owner to estimate the amount of the assessment to be levied against his or her business for that fiscal year.
(4)
The estimated amount of any surplus or deficit revenues to be carried over from a previous fiscal year.
(c)
The municipality may approve the report as filed by the owners’ association or may make recommendations for approval to the annual report within forty-five (45) days of receiving the annual report. The annual report shall be final and approved within ninety (90) days following its submission by the owners’ association to the municipality.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 282, § 1, effective June 29, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 283, § 1, effective June 29, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-59.1 - Tourism Improvement Districts › Section 45-59.1-16. - Renewal of tourism improvement district.

§ 45-59.1-16. Renewal of tourism improvement district.
(a)
Any tourism improvement district previously established whose term has expired, or will expire, may be renewed by following the procedures for establishment as provided in this chapter.
(b)
Upon renewal, any remaining revenues derived from assessments, or any revenues derived from the sale of assets acquired with the revenues, shall be transferred to the renewed tourism improvement district.
(c)
There is no requirement that the boundaries, assessments, activities, or improvements of a renewed tourism improvement district be the same as the original or prior tourism improvement district.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 282, § 1, effective June 29, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 283, § 1, effective June 29, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-59.1 - Tourism Improvement Districts › Section 45-59.1-18. - Remaining revenues.

§ 45-59.1-18. Remaining revenues.
Upon the dissolution or expiration without renewal of a tourism improvement district, any remaining revenues, after all outstanding debts are paid, derived from the levy of assessments, or derived from the sale of assets acquired with the revenues, shall be spent in accordance with the tourism improvement district plan or shall be refunded to the owners of the businesses then located and operating within the tourism improvement district in which assessments were levied by applying the same method and basis that was used to calculate the assessments levied in the fiscal year in which the tourism improvement district is disestablished or expires.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 282, § 1, effective June 29, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 283, § 1, effective June 29, 2022.