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Rhode IslandS33252026 Regular SessionSenate

AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET TO PROVIDE FOR THE IMPROVEMENT AND REPLACEMENT OF ROAD SAFETY INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES IN THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET AND AUTHORIZING THE FINANCING THEREOF, INCLUDING THE ISSUE OF NOT MORE THAN $2,500,000 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

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

Faster financing and more grant options

The city can apply for and use federal or state grants for the project, and federal rules control when they conflict with state law. Bonds and notes under this act can be issued without other agency approvals, as long as constitutional rules are met. The treasurer and mayor can sign all documents needed and must follow federal tax and securities rules, including SEC Rule 15c2-12. Seven years after this law takes effect, the city council can cancel any unused borrowing authority.

Voter-approved $2.5 million for road safety

The law lets Pawtucket borrow up to $2.5 million to fix and replace road safety features and traffic signals. Voters must approve the question at the next general election, or an earlier special election if called. Bonds can be serial or term; the first principal payment is due within 3 years and the last within 30 years. Money can pay for the work and related costs, like note interest, repaying advances, issuance costs, and interest during construction. This funds the city’s 2028–2029 capital plan for these projects.

Bonds backed by unlimited property taxes

All bonds and notes are the city’s legal obligation. Each year, the city must set aside enough to pay principal and interest. If it does not, the unpaid amounts are added to the annual tax levy. All taxable property can be taxed without a rate or amount limit to pay this debt. This can raise property taxes for owners and affect renters through higher housing costs.

Short-term borrowing and investing rules

The city can issue short-term notes while waiting for bonds or grants. These notes must be paid within 5 years, and refunding notes outstanding cannot exceed 200% of the authorized bond amount. With council approval, the treasurer can advance general-fund money to start work, to be repaid without interest from bonds or aid. The treasurer can invest unspent funds in FDIC bank deposits or U.S. government obligations. Interest from bond sales pays the first interest due, and premiums or allowed earnings can cover project or financing costs, debt service, or be treated as city revenue as federal law allows.

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

  • S3325 - As Introduced

    5/26/2026

    HTMLPDF

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