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Rhode IslandS33222026 Regular SessionSenate

AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET TO PROVIDE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATION, IMPROVEMENT, REPAIR, ALTERATION, FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS IN THE CITY AND AUTHORIZING THE FINANCING THEREOF, INCLUDING THE ISSUE OF NOT MORE THAN $5,000,000 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: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.

Property taxes can back bond payments

Bonds and notes are general obligations of the city. Each year, the city must budget enough to pay principal and interest. If it does not, the unpaid amount is added to the annual tax levy. All taxable property can be taxed without a rate or amount cap to make these payments.

Pawtucket voters decide $5 million bonds

The law lets Pawtucket borrow up to $5,000,000 for public building work in fiscal years 2028 and 2029. Voters must approve this at the next general election, or an earlier special election if the mayor calls one. The city clerk keeps a copy of the law available for public viewing from the notice until the vote.

Faster bond approvals and guardrails

The city can issue these bonds without extra approvals beyond this law. The treasurer and mayor can sign the legal and disclosure papers needed to sell the bonds and follow federal rules. Seven years after the law takes effect, the council may cancel any unused borrowing authority.

Bridge loans and grants for projects

The city can issue short‑term notes while waiting for bonds or state or federal aid. Notes for bonds cannot exceed the bond amount and must be paid within five years; renewals cannot extend beyond five years total. No more than 200% of the authorized bond amount can be outstanding in refunding notes at any time. With council approval, the treasurer can advance general funds now and repay them from bonds or aid later. The city can apply for and spend state or federal grants for the project.

Rules for spending and repaying bonds

Bonds can be serial or term. The city pays principal each year, starting within 3 years and ending within 30 years. Bond money must pay for the building projects, temporary note costs, issuance costs, interest during construction, or repay prior advances. Unspent money can be kept in FDIC banks or U.S.-backed investments until used. Accrued interest pays the first interest due. Premiums and allowed investment earnings can cover costs, pay debt, or go to city revenues as allowed by law.

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

  • S3322 - As Introduced

    5/26/2026

    HTMLPDF

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