PRIA Logo™
Rhode IslandH86252026 Regular SessionHouse

AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF CRANSTON TO ISSUE NOT TO EXCEED $25,000,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, NOTES AND OTHER EVIDENCES OF INDEBTEDNESS TO FINANCE THE PURCHASE AND/OR ACQUISITION OF LAND AND BUILDINGS, CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATION, IMPROVEMENT, ALTERATION, REPAIR, LANDSCAPING, FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING OF SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE CITY .

Sponsored By: Christopher G. Paplauskas (Republican)

Became Law

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Cranston school bonds with tax pledge

Upon voter approval on Nov. 3, 2026 (or a special city election), Cranston can issue up to $25 million in bonds for school land, buildings, repairs, furniture, and equipment. The first principal payment must start within 5 years, and the final payment must be within 30 years. The city must set aside money each year to pay this debt. If it does not, the amount is added to the property tax levy. All taxable property in Cranston can be taxed without limit to pay bond principal and interest.

State aid needs RIDE approval

State reimbursement for these school projects applies only if the Rhode Island Department of Education approves the specific projects. Without approval, the state does not reimburse, so the local share stays higher. This rule is in effect now. The borrowing itself still needs voter approval in 2026 or at a special city election.

Financing tools for school projects

If voters approve the bond question, the city can use short‑term notes to start work and must repay them within 5 years. The finance director can advance general funds to projects and get repaid without interest from bonds or state or federal aid. The city can finance through state agencies to seek better terms. Only the original bond principal counts toward legal debt limits. Seven years after the law takes effect, the city council can cancel any unused borrowing authority.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Christopher G. Paplauskas

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Jacquelyn M. Baginski

    Democratic • House

  • David A. Bennett

    Democratic • House

  • Richard R. Fascia

    Republican • House

  • Arthur Handy

    Democratic • House

  • Joseph M. McNamara

    Democratic • House

  • Brandon C. Potter

    Democratic • House

  • Robert J. Quattrocchi

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 70 • No: 0

House vote • 6/11/2026

CRANSTON - BONDS & NOTES PASSAGE

Yes: 70 • 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 the Senate Consent Calendar (06/11/2026)

    6/11/2026Senate

  5. House read and passed

    6/11/2026House

  6. Placed on House Calendar (06/11/2026)

    6/10/2026House

  7. Committee recommends passage

    6/10/2026

  8. Scheduled for consideration (06/10/2026)

    6/8/2026

  9. Introduced, referred to House Finance

    6/5/2026House

Bill Text

  • H8625 - As Introduced

    6/5/2026

    HTMLPDF

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation