Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2859

Introduced
3/22/24  
Refer
3/22/24  
Report Pass
4/4/24  
Engrossed
4/11/24  
Refer
4/18/24  
Report Pass
5/9/24  
Enrolled
5/14/24  

Caption

IN ACCORDANCE WITH RHODE ISLAND GENERAL LAWS SECTION 16-7-44 APPROVING THE ISSUANCE OF $125,000,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, NOTES AND OTHER EVIDENCES OF INDEBTEDNESS OF THE CITY OF PROVIDENCE TO FINANCE THE CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATION, IMPROVEMENT, ALTERATION, REPAIR, LANDSCAPING, FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING OF SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE CITY AND ALL COSTS RELATED THERETO

Impact

The passage of S2859 will facilitate significant improvements to educational facilities across Providence, effectively enhancing the learning environment for students. By securing these funds, the city will be able to meet diverse needs within its school infrastructure, which includes modernizing existing facilities and possibly expanding access to education resources. Furthermore, the principal and interest on the bonds are expected to be eligible for state housing aid reimbursement, which could alleviate some financial burdens for the city as it embarks on these projects.

Summary

S2859 is a legislative act introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly that authorizes the issuance of $125,000,000 in general obligation bonds, notes, and other forms of indebtedness by the City of Providence. This funding is specifically aimed at the construction, renovation, improvement, alteration, repair, landscaping, furnishing, and equipping of schools and school facilities throughout Providence. The act is enabled under Rhode Island General Laws ยง 16-7-44 and follows a prior bond ordinance and a referendum approved by city voters in November 2022.

Contention

While the bill appears to garner broad support due to its focus on educational improvements, potential areas of contention could arise surrounding the fiscal responsibility of taking on such a substantial amount of debt. Stakeholders may debate the long-term financial implications for the city and whether the prioritized projects adequately address the most pressing needs within the educational system. Additionally, discussions may arise regarding the allocation of funds and ensuring accountability in how the borrowed money is spent to benefit schools effectively.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0510

Amending Chapters 106 And 107 Of The Local Acts Of 2021 Both Entitled "relating To School Construction And Financing In The City Of Central Falls And Authorizing The City Of Central Falls To Issue Not To Exceed $5,760,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Construction, Renovation, Improvement, Alteration, Repair, Furnishing And Equipping Of Schools And School Facilities In The City"

RI S0206

Authorizing The Town Of Middletown To Issue Not To Exceed $190,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Construction, Furnishing And Equipping Of A Middle School And High School And The Renovation, Improvement, Alteration, Repair, Furnishing And Equipping Of School Facilities Throughout The Town And All Attendant Expenses Including, But Not Limited To, Demolition, Engineering, Architectural And Landscaping Costs

RI H5526

Authorizing The Town Of Middletown To Issue Not To Exceed $190,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Construction, Furnishing And Equipping Of A Middle School And High School And The Renovation, Improvement, Alteration, Repair, Furnishing And Equipping Of School Facilities Throughout The Town And All Attendant Expenses Including, But Not Limited To, Demolition, Engineering, Architectural And Landscaping Costs

RI H6126

Amending Chapters 106 And 107 Of The Local Acts Of 2021 Both Entitled "relating To School Construction And Financing In The City Of Central Falls And Authorizing The City Of Central Falls To Issue Not To Exceed $5,760,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Construction, Renovation, Improvement, Alteration, Repair, Furnishing And Equipping Of Schools And School Facilities In The City"

RI S1070

Authorizing The Town Of Lincoln To Issue Not To Exceed $14,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Development And Construction Of A New Town-wide Centralized Rescue Station And The Furnishing And Equipping Thereof And All Costs Related Thereto

RI H6453

Authorizing The Town Of Lincoln To Issue Not To Exceed $14,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Development And Construction Of A New Town-wide Centralized Rescue Station And The Furnishing And Equipping Thereof And All Costs Related Thereto

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 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

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.