RI
Rhode Island House Bill H8313

Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H8313

Introduced
5/24/24  
Refer
5/24/24  
Report Pass
6/4/24  
Engrossed
6/6/24  
Engrossed
6/11/24  

Caption

AUTHORIZING THE CHARIHO REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT TO FINANCE IMPROVEMENTS, FURNISHING, AND EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENTS AT THE SWITCH ROAD CAMPUS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, COSTS OF DEMOLITION, DESIGN, HEALTH AND SAFETY PROJECTS, ROOFING, PLAYGROUNDS, LANDSCAPING, PAVING AND ALL EXPENSES INCIDENTAL THERETO BY THE ISSUANCE OF NOT MORE THAN $15,000,000 BONDS AND/OR NOTES THEREFOR, SUBJECT TO APPROVAL OF STATE HOUSING AID AT A REIMBURSEMENT RATE OR STATE SHARE RATIO OF NOT LESS THAN 61% AT THE TIME OF ISSUANCE, WHICH RATE OR RATIO MAY INCREASE TO 65% AT PROJECT COMPLETION

Impact

If passed, this legislation directly influences state funding for education by necessitating approval from the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to confirm eligibility for housing aid. The requirement for a majority vote by the electorate in the Chariho Regional School District towns is another crucial aspect, ensuring community involvement and consent regarding the allocation of financial resources for local educational improvements. This bill may set a precedent for future funding requests within the region and could influence how similar projects are financed statewide.

Summary

House Bill H8313 aims to authorize the Chariho Regional School District to finance significant improvements and equipment replacements at their Switch Road Campus. The bill facilitates these activities through the issuance of general obligation bonds not exceeding $15 million. These funds will cover a range of expenses including demolition, design, health and safety projects, as well as infrastructure improvements such as roofing, landscaping, and playground refurbishments. A key condition for the bond issuance is obtaining state housing aid, with a reimbursement rate of at least 61% at the time of issuance, potentially increasing to 65% upon project completion.

Sentiment

General sentiment towards H8313 appears positive, reflecting a commitment to enhancing educational facilities and ensuring safety for students. Supporters argue that modernizing school infrastructure is essential for enriching the learning environment, which can ultimately lead to improved student outcomes. However, there may be concerns from some constituents regarding the overall debt impact on the district and the potential financial burden of repayment on local taxpayers.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around the financial implications of issuing bonds and the associated costs of project funding. Some skeptics may question whether the anticipated tax revenue or state support can fully cover the repayment requirements, particularly if the housing aid falls short of projections. There may also be discussions surrounding prioritization of funding within the district and whether these improvements effectively address pressing educational needs versus other potential uses of taxpayer funds.

Latest RI H8313 Activity

View All Events: RI 2024 Regular Session H8313

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 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 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 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 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

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

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 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

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