Rhode IslandH85272026 Regular SessionHouse

AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE CHARIHO REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT TO FINANCE THE CONSTRUCTION, FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING OF AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SERVING THE TOWNS OF CHARLESTOWN, RICHMOND AND HOPKINTON, CONSISTING OF ONE OR MORE BUILDINGS ON A SINGLE CAMPUS, AND IMPROVEMENTS AT THE SWITCH ROAD CAMPUS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, COSTS OF LAND ACQUISITION, DEMOLITION, DESIGN, HEALTH AND SAFETY PROJECTS, PLAYGROUNDS, LANDSCAPING, PAVING, AND ALL EXPENSES INCIDENTAL THERETO, BY THE ISSUANCE OF NOT MORE THAN $116,000,000 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 .

Sponsored By: Megan L. Cotter (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

New Chariho elementary school with state aid

The law lets the Chariho Regional School District borrow up to $116 million to build a new elementary campus and improve the Switch Road campus. The state must confirm school housing aid of at least 61% when bonds are issued, and that share can rise to 65% when parts of the project finish. The projects must meet high‑performance school standards to save energy and support healthy buildings. Local taxpayers cover the remaining share through the district budget and local taxes.

How Chariho borrows and repays school debt

The district must budget each year to pay principal and interest until the debt is fully paid. Principal payments start within five years and end within thirty years. The district may use serial, term, zero‑coupon, or capital‑appreciation bonds to shape payments. It can issue short‑term notes before bonds or aid arrive; notes must be repaid within five years and stay within set limits, including not more than 200% of the authorized bond amount after refunding. The treasurer may advance district cash for early costs with committee approval and repay those advances later without interest from bonds or aid.

Safeguards and extra funding for bonds

The district can seek and spend federal or state grants and advances for this project, which can lower local costs. Federal rules control when they conflict with state rules. Bond proceeds must be kept in FDIC banks or U.S. government‑backed securities; other deposits must be insured or backed at 102% of the amount. These bonds can be sold with other district bonds, but the money must stay with this project. This regional debt does not count against any single town’s legal debt limit.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Megan L. Cotter

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Brian Patrick Kennedy

    Democratic • House

  • Tina L. Spears

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 110 • No: 1

Senate vote • 6/11/2026

AUTHORIZING THE CHARIHO REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT -- BONDS In Concurrence

Yes: 37 • No: 1

House vote • 6/2/2026

CHARIHO REGIONAL SCHOOL - DIST. PASSAGE

Yes: 73 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective without Governor's signature

    6/26/2026Governor
  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/18/2026Governor
  3. Senate passed in concurrence

    6/11/2026Senate
  4. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/11/2026)

    6/9/2026Senate
  5. House read and passed

    6/2/2026House
  6. Placed on House Calendar (06/02/2026)

    5/29/2026House
  7. Committee recommends passage

    5/26/2026
  8. Scheduled for consideration (05/26/2026)

    5/22/2026
  9. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    5/19/2026
  10. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (05/19/2026)

    5/15/2026
  11. Introduced, referred to House Finance

    5/6/2026House

Bill Text

  • H8527 - As Introduced

    5/6/2026

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