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Rhode IslandS10962025 Regular SessionSenate

AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF WARWICK TO ISSUE NOT TO EXCEED $50,000,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, NOTES AND OTHER EVIDENCES OF INDEBTEDNESS TO FINANCE THE CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATION, IMPROVEMENT, ALTERATION, REPAIR, LANDSCAPING, DEMOLITION, ARCHITECTURAL COSTS, ENGINEERING, FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING OF (I) TWO NEW HIGH SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL FACILITIES TO REPLACE PILGRIM HIGH SCHOOL AND TOLLGATE HIGH SCHOOL AND ON-SITE ATHLETIC FIELDS, AND (II) RECREATION AND ATHLETIC FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE CITY .

Sponsored By: Mark P. McKenney (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Warwick property taxpayers back bond payments

After majority voter approval, Warwick must budget enough each year to cover principal and interest not paid from other sources. Any amount the city fails to provide must be added to its annual property tax levy. For this debt, property taxes have no rate or amount limit. Warwick property owners can face higher tax bills, but the law sets no household tax increase.

State help for Warwick school costs

After majority voter approval, Warwick can seek state help with school-building debt payments and project costs. Help includes school construction aid, grants, loans, or other financial assistance. The Rhode Island Department of Education must approve the school projects for their bonds to qualify for state reimbursement. State aid can reduce Warwick's school costs, but the law guarantees no award and sets no amount.

Warwick school and recreation upgrades bring debt

The law authorizes Warwick to take on up to $50 million in debt for school and recreation projects. Projects include replacing Pilgrim and Tollgate high schools, related school facilities and on-site fields, and improving recreation and athletic facilities citywide. The borrowing authority takes effect only after majority approval at a citywide election. Bond principal payments must start within five years and end within 30 years; temporary notes must mature within five years. Seven years after the act takes effect, the city council can cancel some or all unissued borrowing authority.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Mark P. McKenney

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Peter A. Appollonio, Jr.

    Democratic • Senate

  • Matthew L. LaMountain

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 105 • No: 0

House vote • 6/10/2025

WARWICK/BONDS & NOTES PASSAGE IN CONCURRENCE

Yes: 71 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/5/2025

CITY OF WARWICK -- BONDS Passage

Yes: 34 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor

    6/13/2025Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/10/2025Governor

  3. House passed in concurrence

    6/10/2025House

  4. Placed on the House Consent Calendar (06/10/2025)

    6/6/2025House

  5. Senate read and passed

    6/5/2025Senate

  6. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/05/2025)

    5/30/2025Senate

  7. Committee recommends passage

    5/29/2025

  8. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (05/29/2025)

    5/26/2025

  9. Introduced, referred to Senate Finance

    5/23/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • S1096 - As Introduced

    5/23/2025

    HTMLPDF

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