Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H6455

Introduced
5/26/23  
Refer
5/26/23  
Report Pass
6/7/23  
Engrossed
6/12/23  
Enrolled
6/14/23  

Caption

Authorizing The Bristol Warren Regional School District To Issue Not To Exceed Two Hundred Million Dollars

Impact

If approved, this bill would notably improve the state laws relating to school financing and infrastructure development. It allows the school district to efficiently procure necessary funding without extensive bureaucratic approval when issuing bonds. Additionally, eligible expenditures include not just construction costs but also incidental expenses such as landscaping and project-related consulting, thereby ensuring a comprehensive approach to school facility enhancement.

Summary

House Bill 6455 authorizes the Bristol Warren Regional School District to issue general obligation bonds up to $200 million. The funds are designated for the acquisition, construction, improvement, renovation, and equipping of a new high school and accompanying athletic facilities. This substantial financial measure aims to enhance the educational infrastructure within the district to support ongoing educational needs and foster community engagement in local schools.

Contention

Notably, a measure of contention surrounds the bill's requirement to submit the bond issuance for voter approval during a general or local election on November 7, 2023. Some community members may express concerns regarding the long-term impact of the debt on local tax rates and how apportionment of the bond repayment will affect taxpayers in Bristol and Warren. The need for public consultation and transparency in the allocation of funds is likely to play a significant role in the discussions as the election date approaches.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H8548

Removes the towns of Warren and Bristol from school bus district Region III and place Warren and Bristol in school bus district Region V.

RI S0443

Increases the maximum amount of the Kingston water district bonding authority from four million dollars ($4,000,000) to fifteen million dollars ($15,000,000).

RI H5703

Increases the maximum amount of the Kingston water district bonding authority from four million dollars ($4,000,000) to fifteen million dollars ($15,000,000).

RI S02165

Provides that if the net balance of the reimbursement account exceeds two million five hundred thousand dollars, any amount over two million five hundred thousand dollars shall be transferred to the proprietary vocational school supervision account.

RI A02235

Provides that if the net balance of the reimbursement account exceeds two million five hundred thousand dollars, any amount over two million five hundred thousand dollars shall be transferred to the proprietary vocational school supervision account.

RI SB2257

Grading of theft offenses of values not exceeding five hundred dollars; and to provide a penalty.

RI A02137

Increases the total amount of bonds the Buffalo sewer authority may issue from two hundred fifty million to five hundred million dollars.

RI H6257

Provides for an additional real estate conveyance tax for commercial properties sold in excess of one million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000) at a rate of three dollars and thirteen cents ($3.13) for each five hundred dollars.

RI S2813

Submits the state's 2026 capital development program requesting the issuance of general obligation bonds totaling one hundred million dollars ($100,000,000) for approval of the electorate at the general election to be held in November, 2026.

RI S2830

Submits the state's 2026 capital development program requesting the issuance of general obligation bonds totaling two hundred seventeen million dollars ($217,000,000) for approval of the electorate at the general election to be held in November 2026.

Similar Bills

AR SB425

To Amend Various Provisions Of The Arkansas Code Concerning Enhanced Transportation; And To Declare An Emergency.

TX HB5663

Relating to the authority of the Wood County Central Hospital District of Wood County, Texas, to provide brain and memory care services to residents of the hospital district through the creation and operation of brain and memory health care services districts.

KY HR1

A RESOLUTION establishing the 2026 membership of the Kentucky State House of Representatives.

KY HR1

A RESOLUTION establishing the 2025 membership of the Kentucky State House of Representatives.

LA HB719

Provides relative to the number of assistant district attorneys in each judicial district (RE +$2,274,000 GF EX See Note)

KY HR1

A RESOLUTION establishing the 2022 membership of the Kentucky State House of Representatives.

LA SB454

Provides for a population based allocation of assistant district attorney positions in the state. (7/1/26) (OR +$397,950 GF EX See Note)

VA HB29

Chaptered