Rhode IslandS32422026 Regular SessionSenate

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: Victoria Gu (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

New Chariho elementary with state aid

The law lets the Chariho Regional School District borrow up to $116 million to build and equip a new elementary school and improve the Switch Road campus. The state must commit to cover at least 61% of eligible costs when bonds are issued, and that share can rise to 65% at project completion. The district, not the individual towns, is responsible for the debt and must set aside enough money each year to pay principal and interest until paid off. Bond money must be used for project costs and related financing needs, like design, land, health and safety work, and issuance costs.

Grants, fewer approvals, valid bonds

The district can apply for and use federal or state grants or advances for the project, and repay them as project costs. It does not need extra agency approvals beyond what this act requires to issue the bonds. Bonds remain valid even if the officials who signed them leave office before delivery.

Rules for how the district borrows

The district can choose different bond types and must start principal payments within 5 years and finish within 30 years. Short‑term notes must be repaid within 5 years, and refunding notes outstanding cannot exceed 200% of the bond authorization. The treasurer may advance district funds for the project and must be repaid without interest from bonds or aid. Proceeds can be invested in FDIC‑insured deposits or U.S. government obligations; other deposits must be backed by government securities worth at least 102% of the amount. Accrued interest from bond sales pays the first interest due, and sale premiums can reduce borrowing costs or pay project expenses. Any increase in bond principal after issuance is counted as interest for debt‑limit rules.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Victoria Gu

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 105 • No: 1

House vote • 6/10/2026

CHARIHO REG SCHOOL-BONDS & NOTES PASSAGE IN CONCURRENCE

Yes: 68 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/12/2026

AUTHORIZING THE CHARIHO REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT -- BONDS Passage

Yes: 37 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective without Governor's signature

    6/26/2026Governor
  2. Transmitted to Governor

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

    6/10/2026House
  4. Placed on the House Consent Calendar (06/10/2026)

    6/10/2026House
  5. Committee recommends passage in concurrence

    6/9/2026
  6. Scheduled for consideration (06/09/2026)

    6/7/2026
  7. Referred to House Finance

    5/13/2026House
  8. Senate read and passed

    5/12/2026Senate
  9. Placed on Senate Calendar (05/12/2026)

    5/8/2026Senate
  10. Committee recommends passage

    5/7/2026
  11. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (05/07/2026)

    5/1/2026
  12. Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government

    5/1/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • S3242 - As Introduced

    5/1/2026

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