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Rhode IslandH85882026 Regular SessionHouse

AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET TO PROVIDE FOR THE PLANNING, EVALUATION, DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, EQUIPPING AND RECONSTRUCTION OF SANITARY SEWERS AND STORM SEWERS IN THE CITY AND AUTHORIZING THE FINANCING THEREOF, INCLUDING THE ISSUE OF NOT MORE THAN $4,000,000 BONDS AND NOTES THEREFOR, TO FUND THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FOR THE TWO FISCAL YEARS 2028 AND 2029 .

Sponsored By: Mary Messier (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Property taxes can rise for sewer debt

The city must set aside enough money each year to pay bond and note principal and interest. If it does not, the unpaid amount is added to the annual property tax levy. All taxable property can be taxed without a rate or amount cap to cover this debt. These debts do not count against the city’s general borrowing limit.

Pawtucket sewer bonds need voter approval

The law lets Pawtucket issue up to $4 million in bonds to plan and fix sanitary and storm sewers for fiscal years 2028 and 2029. The bonds can be repaid over up to 30 years, with the first payment due within 3 years. Voters must approve the borrowing at the next general election, or an earlier special election that is not a primary if placed on that ballot. Seven years after the act takes effect, the city council may cancel any unused bond authority.

Streamlined bond rules and disclosures

Bonds remain valid even if the signing officials leave office. The city can issue bonds and notes without extra agency approvals beyond this act, and bond validity does not depend on steps like condemnation. The treasurer and the mayor can sign needed tax and securities documents, including continuing disclosure agreements, for the life of the bonds.

Short-term notes and grants for sewers

The city can issue short‑term notes before selling bonds or getting aid, but must repay them within five years. The treasurer, with council approval, can advance city funds to the project and repay them later without interest from bonds or grants. The city can apply for and spend federal or state grants or advances for the work. Interest, sale premiums, and allowed investment earnings can help pay project costs, issuance costs, or debt service.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Mary Messier

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Karen Alzate

    Democratic • House

  • Cherie L. Cruz

    Democratic • House

  • Jennifer A. Stewart

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 67 • No: 0

House vote • 6/8/2026

PAWTUCKET BONDS & NOTES PASSAGE

Yes: 67 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor

    6/23/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/18/2026Governor

  3. Senate passed in concurrence

    6/10/2026Senate

  4. Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar (06/10/2026)

    6/8/2026Senate

  5. House read and passed

    6/8/2026House

  6. Placed on House Calendar (06/08/2026)

    6/5/2026House

  7. Committee recommends passage

    6/5/2026

  8. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (06/05/2026)

    6/2/2026

  9. Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing

    5/27/2026House

Bill Text

  • H8588 - As Introduced

    5/27/2026

    HTMLPDF

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