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Rhode IslandS33592026 Regular SessionSenate

AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF CRANSTON TO FINANCE THE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, REPAIR, REHABILITATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF STREETS, SIDEWALKS AND BRIDGES IN THE CITY INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PAVING, DRAINAGE, TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES, ROAD MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT, SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS AND LANDSCAPING AND ALL COSTS INCIDENTAL OR RELATED THERETO BY THE ISSUANCE OF NOT MORE THAN $8,000,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND NOTES THEREFOR .

Sponsored By: Todd M. Patalano (Democratic)

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Property tax pledge backs these bonds

These bonds are a full faith and credit obligation of Cranston. The city must raise enough each year to pay principal and interest. If the council does not budget the money, the unpaid 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 can raise property taxes for owners.

Cranston voters decide $8M for roads

The law lets Cranston borrow up to $8 million to fix streets, sidewalks, and bridges. Work includes paving, drainage, traffic control, safety, landscaping, and equipment. The question goes to Cranston voters on November 3, 2026, or at a later special citywide vote. The borrowing takes effect only if a majority approve. The city must repay the debt, which can affect future property taxes.

Short-term notes and bond terms

Cranston can sell short‑term notes to start work or bridge federal or state aid. Notes and renewals must be repaid within five years, and aid notes cannot exceed the aid the finance director estimates. Total temporary notes outstanding cannot be more than 200% of the authorized bonds. Bonds can be serial, term, zero‑coupon, or capital appreciation, with first principal due within five years and final maturity within 30 years. The city may issue these without other approvals beyond this act.

Managing bond money and timing

The treasurer can advance city funds to start projects, with council approval. These advances are repaid without interest from later bonds, aid, or other funds. Bond and aid money can be invested in bank deposits or U.S. government obligations until used. Accrued interest and sale premiums can pay issuance costs, project costs, or debt service; if federal law allows, earnings may be added to property tax revenues. Seven years after this law takes effect, the council can cancel any unused borrowing authority.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Todd M. Patalano

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Hanna M. Gallo

    Democratic • Senate

  • Matthew L. LaMountain

    Democratic • Senate

  • Lammis J. Vargas

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 107 • No: 0

House vote • 6/11/2026

AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF CRANSTON PASSAGE IN CONCURRENCE

Yes: 69 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/10/2026

THE CITY OF CRANSTON -- BONDS Passage

Yes: 38 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective without Governor's signature

    6/26/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/18/2026Governor

  3. House passed in concurrence

    6/11/2026House

  4. Placed on House Calendar (06/11/2026)

    6/11/2026House

  5. Senate read and passed

    6/10/2026Senate

  6. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/10/2026)

    6/9/2026Senate

  7. Committee recommends passage

    6/9/2026

  8. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (06/09/2026)

    6/5/2026

  9. Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government

    6/5/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • S3359 - As Introduced

    6/5/2026

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