Bill
HB 6006
Voters authorize up to $25M in state bonds to fund Rhode Island’s Bicycle Mobility Plan, financing a statewide network of off-road and on-street bike links.
Status & procedural history
- Title: AN ACT RELATING TO CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM -- 2026 BOND REFERENDA
- Introduced: February 28, 2025 (House, Rhode Island) by Representatives Tanzi, Handy, Fogarty, McGaw, Kislak, Hull, Carson, Morales, Potter, and Ajello. Referred to House Finance.
- Latest recorded action: As of 05/21/2025 the measure was recommended to be held for further study by committee.
- Ballot timing: If advanced, the bond question is to be submitted to voters at the general election on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2026.
Purpose and intent
- To seek voter approval to authorize the State of Rhode Island to issue general obligation bonds (and related refunding bonds or temporary notes) to fund a statewide Bicycle Mobility Plan. The measure asks voters to authorize up to $25,000,000 in bonds to develop a seamless, statewide bicycle system (off‑road and on‑street) providing transportation and recreational links across the state.
Key provisions
- Ballot proposition: The exact question will ask voters whether to approve issuance of bonds/refunding bonds/temporary notes in an amount not to exceed $25,000,000 to fund the Bicycle Mobility Plan.
- Ballot logistics: The Secretary of State will prepare ballot labels with “approve” / “reject” options; general election laws apply consistent with the act.
- Bond issuance authority: If voters approve, the General Treasurer, with the Governor’s approval, may issue capital development bonds (“capital development loan of 2026 bonds”) up to the amount approved by voters.
- Bond terms: Bonds to be issued in $1,000 denominations (or multiples); payable in U.S. legal tender; interest payable semi‑annually; maturities not to exceed the end of the twentieth state fiscal year after issuance; redemption, registration, and other terms set by the Treasurer with gubernatorial approval.
- Refunding bonds: Treasurer (with Governor) may issue refunding bonds to refund the 2026 capital development bonds — refunding bonds may not mature more than 20 years from original issuance date of refunded bonds. Proceeds held in trust and may be invested in U.S. or state obligations until used to prepay refunded bonds.
- Use of proceeds: Net proceeds (after underwriting costs, insurance and accrued interest) must be deposited in a special capital development bond fund and expended solely for the Bicycle Mobility Plan described in the ballot proposition.
- Debt limits: Aggregate outstanding capital development bonds and any temporary notes outstanding in anticipation of them may not exceed the amount approved by voters.
Who is affected / likely impact
- Rhode Island taxpayers: state general obligation debt service (principal and interest) is an obligation of the state budget; approval increases the state’s bonding authorization by up to $25 million.
- Bicyclists, pedestrians, and communities statewide: potential new investments in off‑road trails, on‑street bike infrastructure, and network connections across municipalities.
- Municipalities and project implementers: may receive design/construction funds or partner in implementation (specific allocation processes not detailed in the bill text).
- Investors and the state’s debt management: impacts bond issuance, potential refunding transactions, and state debt service schedules.
Notes on document contents
- The packet provided also contains text from an unrelated House Bill (also numbered 6006 in another jurisdiction) that would amend the Michigan Child Custody Act (definitions of “best interests,” protections regarding domestic violence and reunification orders). That custody‑related text appears to be a separate bill and is not part of Rhode Island’s capital development/bond referendum measure.
If you want, I can:
- Draft a short, voter‑facing ballot summary/label for the Bicycle Mobility Plan proposition; or
- Produce a brief fiscal note outline (estimated annual debt service range and likely budgetary implications) using assumed interest rate and term scenarios.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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