R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-5-60.1 — Johnston — Homestead exemptions

(a) The mayor of the town of Johnston, upon approval of the town council, is authorized
to annually fix the amount, if any, of homestead exemption with respect to assessed
value from local taxation on taxable real property used for residential purposes in
the town of Johnston and to grant homestead exemptions to the owner(s) of that residential
real estate in an amount not to exceed twenty percent (20%) of the assessed value.
That exemption only applies to class 3 residential property as defined in § 44-5-57 improved with a dwelling house whose owner is a resident of Johnston and who occupies
the property as his or her principal residence. The dwelling house shall consist of
no more than five (5) dwelling units. In order to determine compliance with the homestead
exemption as outlined in this section, the town council shall provide, by resolution
or ordinance, rules and regulations governing eligibility for the exemption established
by this section.
(b) In the event property granted an exemption under this section is sold or transferred
during the year for which the exemption is claimed, the mayor of the town of Johnston,
upon approval of the town council, may provide for a proration of the homestead exemption
in cases where title to property passes from those not entitled to claim an exemption
to those who are entitled to claim an exemption. Provided, that there shall be a homestead
exemption for owner-occupied residential and commercial mixed-use (class 5) real estate
in an amount not to exceed ten percent (10%) of the assessed value.