Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2096

Introduced
1/16/26  

Caption

Exempts the trade-in value of pickup trucks under eight thousand eight hundred pounds (8,800 lbs.) gross weight, used exclusively for personal use, from sales tax.

Impact

The proposed legislation could have notable implications for both state tax revenue and vehicle owners. By exempting the trade-in value from sales tax, the state may experience a reduction in tax income, which could impact funding for public services. However, supporters of the bill argue that this could stimulate local economies by promoting vehicle sales and facilitating transactions in the automotive sector. Exploring the balance between tax revenue and economic stimulation will be crucial as the bill moves through the legislative process.

Summary

Senate Bill 2096 (S2096) aims to provide a significant tax exemption for individuals trading in pickup trucks that weigh under 8,800 pounds and are used exclusively for personal purposes. Specifically, the bill intends to exempt the trade-in value of such vehicles from sales tax. This measure could benefit residents looking to upgrade their personal vehicles without incurring additional tax burdens on the value of the traded-in truck. By reducing the effective cost of purchasing a new or replacement vehicle, S2096 seeks to encourage consumer spending in the automotive market.

Contention

While there may be broad support for measures that alleviate tax burdens and stimulate economic activity, there are potential points of contention regarding the equity of tax exemptions on personal vehicles. Critics may argue that such a tax exemption primarily benefits higher-income individuals who can afford to purchase new trucks, thereby raising concerns about fairness in tax policy. Further discussions will likely focus on the implications of this tax regulation and its effects on the state's budget and economic landscape.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5406

Exempts the trade-in value of pickup trucks under eight thousand eight hundred pounds (8,800 lbs.) gross weight, used exclusively for personal use, from sales tax.

RI S0434

Exempts the trade-in value of pickup trucks under eight thousand eight hundred pounds (8,800 lbs.) gross weight, used exclusively for personal use, from sales tax.

RI S0099

Exempts the trade-in value of pickup trucks under eight thousand one hundred pounds (8,100 lbs.) gross weight, used exclusively for personal use, from sales tax.

RI S0095

Exempts the trade-in value of pickup trucks under six thousand pounds (6,000 lbs.) gross weight, used exclusively for personal use, from sales tax.

RI S0031

Exempts the trade-in value of pickup trucks weighing fourteen thousand pounds (14,000 lbs.) or less from sales and use tax.

RI H5145

Allows for trucks with a gross vehicle weight of eight thousand pounds (8,000 lbs.) or less to have passenger registration license plates.

RI S0041

Exempts from sales tax the trade-in values of motorcycles as well the proceeds received as a result of an unrecovered stolen or total loss of a motorcycle.

RI S0451

Exempts the sale of Bitcoin from state income tax, if such sale is valued at less than one thousand dollars ($1,000).

RI H5475

Exempts new or used bicycles from sale and use tax.

RI H5786

Expands the definition of “book or other writing” to sales up to one thousand five hundred (1,500) copies and deny the sales tax exemption for third-party sales.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.