Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S3091

Introduced
5/24/24  
Refer
5/24/24  
Report Pass
5/28/24  
Engrossed
6/4/24  
Enrolled
6/6/24  

Caption

IN ACCORDANCE WITH RHODE ISLAND GENERAL LAWS SECTION 16-7-44 APPROVING THE ISSUANCE OF $3,500,000 BONDS BY THE TOWN OF SCITUATE TO FINANCE CAPITAL PROJECTS AT THE SCITUATE SCHOOLS

Impact

This bill is significant as it aligns with Rhode Island General Laws Section 16-7-44, which governs the issuance of educational project financing through bonds. It ensures that the bonds issued for school projects can potentially qualify for state housing aid reimbursement, thereby easing the financial burden on local taxpayers. However, for any projects financed by the issued bonds to be eligible for reimbursement, they must receive prior approval from the Rhode Island Department of Education. This condition emphasizes the state’s oversight in educational funding and capital projects.

Summary

Bill S3091 pertains to the issuance of $3,500,000 in general obligation bonds by the town of Scituate, Rhode Island, specifically aimed at financing capital projects within the Scituate schools. It provides the town council with the authority to issue these bonds, which is a crucial step in supporting school infrastructure and educational facilities. The act defines the framework through which these bonds can be issued and establishes the necessity of community approval during a financial town meeting scheduled for June 4, 2024, which is an essential aspect of local governance.

Contention

During discussions surrounding S3091, some notable points of contention may arise, particularly regarding the approval process and the implications of bond issuance on the town's fiscal responsibilities. Critics could question the long-term financial commitments associated with such large sums of debt and the necessity of taxpayer backing, raising concerns about community prioritization of funds. Additionally, there could be discussions about the broader implications of state reimbursement policies on school funding and the accessibility of quality education for all students within Scituate.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0995

In Accordance With Rhode Island General Laws Section 16-7-44 Approving The Issuance Of $1,000,000 Bonds By The Town Of Scituate To Finance A Water Project At The Scituate High School/middle School Including, But Not Limited To, Bonds And Notes Issued Pursuant To Financing Agreements With The Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank

RI H6335

In Accordance With Rhode Island General Laws Section 16-7-44 Approving The Issuance Of $1,000,000 Bonds By The Town Of Scituate To Finance A Water Project At The Scituate High School/middle School Including, But Not Limited To, Bonds And Notes Issued Pursuant To Financing Agreements With The Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank

RI S0980

Authorizing The Town Of Barrington To Finance The 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, Athletic Fields, Playgrounds, Landscaping, Parking And Costs Of Financing And To Issue Not More Than $250,000,000 Bonds And/or Notes Therefor, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 35 Percent At The Time Of Issuance And Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By The Amount Of Certain Grants Received From State Bond Proceeds, From The Rhode Island Department Of Education Or From The Rhode Island School Building Authority

RI H6404

Authorizing The Town Of Barrington To Finance The 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, Athletic Fields, Playgrounds, Landscaping, Parking And Costs Of Financing And To Issue Not More Than $250,000,000 Bonds And/or Notes Therefor, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 35 Percent At The Time Of Issuance And Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By The Amount Of Certain Grants Received From State Bond Proceeds, From The Rhode Island Department Of Education Or From The Rhode Island School Building Authority

RI S0994

Authorizing The Town Of South Kingstown To Issue Not To Exceed $125,000,000 General Obligation Bonds And Notes To Finance The Acquisition, Construction, Improvement, Renovation, Furnishing And Equipping Of A New High School, Athletic Facility, And Other School Facilities In The Town And All Expenses Incident Thereto, Including, But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Demolition, Athletic Fields, Landscaping And Parking And All Attendant Expenses, Including Engineering, Architectural And Other Project-related Consulting Costs, Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By The Amount Of Certain Grants Received From State Bond Proceeds, From The Rhode Island Department Of Education Or From The Rhode Island School Building Authority

RI H6276

Authorizing The Town Of South Kingstown To Issue Not To Exceed $125,000,000 General Obligation Bonds And Notes To Finance The Acquisition, Construction, Improvement, Renovation, Furnishing And Equipping Of A New High School, Athletic Facility, And Other School Facilities In The Town And All Expenses Incident Thereto, Including, But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Demolition, Athletic Fields, Landscaping And Parking And All Attendant Expenses, Including Engineering, Architectural And Other Project-related Consulting Costs, Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By The Amount Of Certain Grants Received From State Bond Proceeds, From The Rhode Island Department Of Education Or From The Rhode Island School Building Authority

RI S1091

Authorizing The Town Of Cumberland To Issue Not To Exceed $52,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Construction, Renovation, Improvement, Alteration, Repair, Furnishing And Equipping Of A New Elementary School And Other Related School Facilities And The Demolition Of An Existing Elementary School On Land Presently Occupied By The B.f. Norton School In The Town Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By Any Grant Received From The School Building Authority Capital Fund

RI H6479

Authorizing The Town Of Cumberland To Issue Not To Exceed $52,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Construction, Renovation, Improvement, Alteration, Repair, Furnishing And Equipping Of A New Elementary School And Other Related School Facilities And The Demolition Of An Existing Elementary School On Land Presently Occupied By The B.f. Norton School In The Town Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By Any Grant Received From The School Building Authority Capital Fund

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 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

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.