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Rhode IslandS31862026 Regular SessionSenate

AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF JAMESTOWN TO FUND AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECTS AND TO ISSUE NOT MORE THAN $3,000,000 BONDS AND NOTES THEREFOR .

Sponsored By: Dawn Euer (Democratic)

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Property taxes can rise for housing bonds

To pay these bonds, all taxable property in Jamestown can be taxed without any rate or amount limit. Each year the town must set aside enough for principal and interest; if not, the amount is added to the tax levy. If you own taxable property in Jamestown, your property tax bill can increase.

More funding for Jamestown affordable housing

The town can borrow up to $3,000,000 to create more affordable housing. The money is already set aside for these projects and can buy land or develop town land as affordable housing. It can also pay short‑term note costs and repay town advances. The town can add federal or state grants to this work. Voters must approve the bond question on November 3, 2026, before the bonds are issued.

Rules to issue and manage housing bonds

The finance director and the council president or vice president sign the bonds, and the council sets sale terms. Principal payments start within 5 years and end within 30 years, with annual installments. The town may sell these with other town bonds and use short‑term notes (up to 5 years) before bonds or aid arrive. Unspent money can be put in insured banks or U.S. obligations; interest, premiums, and earnings may cover costs or debt, and the town may act to keep federal tax benefits. These bonds are binding but do not count against the town’s debt limit, and they remain valid even if officers leave office.

Faster housing projects and land powers

The town can issue these bonds under this act without some extra approvals. Projects can include buying land or, when allowed by law, taking land by condemnation. The town can levy assessments as permitted. All actions must meet constitutional rules, and this act controls over conflicting charter rules. This can speed housing work but may affect some property owners’ rights and costs.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Dawn Euer

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 98 • No: 1

House vote • 6/3/2026

JAMESTOWN BONDS AND NOTES PASSAGE IN CONCURRENCE

Yes: 63 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/7/2026

AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF JAMESTOWN -- BONDS Passage

Yes: 35 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective without Governor's signature

    6/11/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/3/2026Governor

  3. House passed in concurrence

    6/3/2026House

  4. Placed on the House Consent Calendar (06/03/2026)

    5/29/2026House

  5. Committee recommends passage in concurrence

    5/26/2026

  6. Scheduled for consideration (05/26/2026)

    5/22/2026

  7. Referred to House Municipal Government & Housing

    5/8/2026House

  8. Senate read and passed

    5/7/2026Senate

  9. Placed on Senate Calendar (05/07/2026)

    5/1/2026Senate

  10. Committee recommends passage

    4/30/2026

  11. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/30/2026)

    4/27/2026

  12. Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government

    4/3/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • S3186 - As Introduced

    4/3/2026

    HTMLPDF

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