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Rhode IslandS33212026 Regular SessionSenate

AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET TO PROVIDE FOR THE RENOVATION, CONSTRUCTION, RECONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPPING OF PUBLIC RECREATION FACILITIES IN THE CITY INCLUDING LAND ACQUISITION AND AUTHORIZING THE FINANCING THEREOF, INCLUDING THE ISSUE OF NOT MORE THAN $2,000,000 BONDS AND NOTES THEREFOR, TO FUND THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FOR THE TWO FISCAL YEARS 2028 AND 2029 .

Sponsored By: Meghan E. Kallman (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Voter approval and borrowing timeline

Voters in Pawtucket decide this borrowing at the next general election, or an earlier special election if called. The ballot question language is set by law. Most parts of the act take effect only if a majority approves. Seven years after the act takes effect, the city council may cancel any unused borrowing authority.

Officials can sign and bonds stay valid

The treasurer and mayor can sign all documents needed to sell the bonds and meet federal tax and securities rules, including disclosure. Bonds and notes remain valid even if the signing officials leave office before delivery. The city can issue these bonds without extra approvals beyond what this act requires.

Pawtucket can borrow $2 million for parks

The law lets Pawtucket borrow up to $2,000,000 to fix and build public recreation facilities, including buying land. It covers work in fiscal years 2028 and 2029. Bonds can run up to 30 years, with the first principal payment due within 3 years. Money can pay for project costs and also cover bond fees and interest during construction. These powers take effect after voters approve the question on the city ballot.

Short-term notes and grants for parks

The city can sell short-term notes before bonds or grants arrive. Each note, including renewals, must be paid within 5 years, and notes outstanding can never be more than 200% of the bond cap. With council approval, the treasurer can front project costs from city cash and repay them later without interest. Until spent, bond money can sit in insured bank accounts or U.S. government-backed investments. Interest and sale premiums can pay fees, the project, or debt service, as federal law allows. The city can also apply for state or federal grants, and those rules control if there is a conflict.

Property tax backstop for bond payments

The city must budget enough each year to pay bond principal and interest. If it does not, that amount is added to the annual tax levy. All taxable property can be taxed without a rate or amount limit to pay this debt. This is the repayment backstop for the park bonds and notes.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Meghan E. Kallman

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 103 • No: 0

House vote • 6/10/2026

PAWTUCKET - BONDS & NOTES PASSAGE IN CONCURRENCE

Yes: 68 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/2/2026

THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET -- BONDS Passage

Yes: 35 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor

    6/23/2026Governor

  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)

    6/8/2026House

  5. Senate read and passed

    6/2/2026Senate

  6. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/02/2026)

    5/29/2026Senate

  7. Committee recommends passage

    5/28/2026

  8. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (05/28/2026)

    5/26/2026

  9. Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government

    5/26/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • S3321 - As Introduced

    5/26/2026

    HTMLPDF

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