Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7950

Introduced
3/5/24  
Refer
3/5/24  
Report Pass
4/4/24  
Engrossed
4/9/24  
Refer
4/16/24  
Report Pass
6/11/24  
Engrossed
6/14/24  

Caption

Provides amendments relative to the permitting authority of, and acceptable forms of financial security permissible for construction and/or improvement guarantees relating to the completion of required public improvements.

Impact

The implications of H7950 on state laws center around enhancing the oversight of local development projects by ensuring that municipalities can demand adequate financial guarantees from developers. By establishing more stringent requirements for improvement guarantees, the bill seeks to protect public interests and ensure that local governments are not left to bear the costs associated with incomplete or substandard public projects. Supporters argue that this will lead to more accountability in local planning practices and safeguard communities from financial burdens due to failed developments.

Summary

House Bill H7950 aims to amend existing laws governing the permitting authority of municipalities in relation to construction and improvement guarantees for public infrastructure. The proposed amendments require planning boards to approve the agreements ensuring the completion of necessary public improvements before granting final plan approvals. This includes a combination of actual construction and improvement guarantees, which are to be based on real cost estimates that must be approved by the relevant planning board authority. This bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2025, thereby impacting how municipalities structure and enforce agreements for public improvements.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding H7950 appears to be supportive among legislative members and local governance advocates who see it as a necessary update to existing regulations. Proponents believe that it enhances the capabilities of planning boards and promotes responsible development practices. However, there may be some contention among developers and those who perceive that these new requirements could increase operational costs and complexity in the approval processes.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding H7950 include discussions on the potential for increased costs and delays associated with the new approval processes for construction guarantees. Critics may raise concerns that while intended to protect public interests, these amendments could unintentionally hinder development by imposing additional regulatory burdens. The balance between robust public oversight and the need for efficient project approvals remains a critical topic in discussions around this bill.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6454

Authorizing The Town Of Lincoln To Issue Not To Exceed $25,000,000 General Obligation Bonds And Notes For The Construction, Renovation, Rehabilitation, Repair, Improvements, Furnishing And Equipping Of And/or Additions To Lincoln Elementary Schools

RI S1069

Authorizing The Town Of Lincoln To Issue Not To Exceed $25,000,000 General Obligation Bonds And Notes For The Construction, Renovation, Rehabilitation, Repair, Improvements, Furnishing And Equipping Of And/or Additions To Lincoln Elementary Schools

RI H6296

Authorizing The Town Of Coventry To Issue Not More Than $25,000,000 Bonds And Notes To Finance Construction, Renovation, Rehabilitation, Repair, Improvement, Furnishing And/or Equipping Of And/or Additions To Schools And School Facilities Throughout The Town, Subject To Approval Of State School Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 49.2 % For Expenditures Eligible For Reimbursement

RI S0018

Authorizing The Town Of North Providence To Issue Not To Exceed $125,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Construction, Renovation, Rehabilitation, Repair, Improvements, Furnishing And Equipping Of And/or Additions To Schools And School Facilities In The Town, Including, But Not Limited To, The Construction Of Three Elementary Schools, The Renovation Of Two Middle Schools And The Construction Of New Administrative Offices, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 79.8% For Expenditures Eligible For Reimbursement

RI H6376

Authorizing The Town Of East Greenwich To Finance The Acquisition, Construction, Improvement, Renovation, Alteration, Furnishing And Equipping Of Public Schools And School Facilities In The Town And All Expenses Incident Thereto Including, But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Demolition, Athletic Fields, Landscaping, Parking And Costs Of Financing And To Issue Not More Than $180,000,000 Bonds And/or Notes Therefor

RI S0981

Authorizing The Town Of East Greenwich To Finance The Acquisition, Construction, Improvement, Renovation, Alteration, Furnishing And Equipping Of Public Schools And School Facilities In The Town And All Expenses Incident Thereto Including, But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Demolition, Athletic Fields, Landscaping, Parking And Costs Of Financing And To Issue Not More Than $180,000,000 Bonds And/or Notes Therefor

RI H6451

Authorizing The Town Of North Smithfield To Finance The Development And Construction Of A New Police Station Or The Renovation, Improvement, Alteration And Repair Of An Existing Building To Be Used As A Police Station, As Determined By The Town Council And The Furnishing And Equipping Thereof By The Issue Of Not More Than $18,000,000 Of Bonds And/or Notes Therefor

RI H5101

Authorizing The Town Of North Providence To Issue Not To Exceed $125,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Construction, Renovation, Rehabilitation, Repair, Improvements, Furnishing And Equipping Of And/or Additions To Schools And School Facilities In The Town, Including, But Not Limited To, The Construction Of Three Elementary Schools, The Renovation Of Two Middle Schools And The Construction Of New Administrative Offices, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 79.8% For Expenditures Eligible For Reimbursement

RI S1074

Authorizing The Town Of North Smithfield To Finance The Development And Construction Of A New Police Station Or The Renovation, Improvement, Alteration And Repair Of An Existing Building To Be Used As A Police Station, As Determined By The Town Council And The Furnishing And Equipping Thereof By The Issue Of Not More Than $18,000,000 Of Bonds And/or Notes Therefor

RI S0993

Authorizing The Town Of Coventry To Issue Not More Than $25,000,000 Bonds And Notes To Finance Construction, Renovation, Rehabilitation, Repair, Improvement, Furnishing And/or Equipping Of And/or Additions To Schools And School Facilities Throughout The Town, Subject To Approval Of State School Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 49.2 % For Expenditures Eligible For Reimbursement

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