WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 8489

AN ACT RELATING TO THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS OF RHODE ISLAND -- 2026 BOND REFERENDA

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mia Ackerman and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island would issue up to $36 million in bonds to fund capital improvements and expansions for Boys and Girls Clubs statewide, including safety, accessibility, and new facilit

05/12/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 8489

Summary of HB 8489 (Rhode Island, 2026) – 2026 Bond Referenda for Boys and Girls Clubs

Overview

HB 8489 proposes a state bond measure to fund capital improvements for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Rhode Island. If approved by voters at the November 2026 general election, the state would issue general obligation bonds, potentially alongside refunding bonds and temporary notes, totaling up to $36 million. The act outlines how the funds would be raised, administered, and applied to specific club projects statewide.

Purpose and Intent

  • To authorize the issuance of up to $36,000,000 in bonds and related borrowing instruments to finance critical improvements and renovations for Boys and Girls Clubs across Rhode Island.
  • To support infrastructure upgrades, safety, accessibility, program enhancements, and the creation of new facilities or spaces serving youth.

Key Provisions and Changes

Section 1 – Ballot Question

  • The general election on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2026 would include a referendum asking voters to approve bonds for a capital development program of up to $36 million for designated Boys and Girls Club projects.
  • Specific projects identified include improvements to Camp Grosvenor (Newport County), the Cumberland-Lincoln Clubhouse, Camp Crosby and Williams Avenue Clubhouse (East Providence), the Pawtucket outdoor campus and riverfront revitalization with upgraded athletic facilities, several Providence facilities (including Wanskuck Club, Fox Point, and Southside Clubs), and the creation of the Neurodivergent Boys & Girls Club of Warwick.
  • The projects cover infrastructure upgrades, safety and accessibility improvements, energy efficiency, expanded programming spaces, athletic facilities modernization (including a turf field and inclusive playground), childcare enhancements, and a workforce center serving teens.

Section 2 – Ballot Procedure

  • The Secretary of State will prepare ballot labels with “approve” or “reject” options for the described projects, and applicable general election laws will apply.

Section 3 – Majority Approval

  • If a majority of voters approve the proposition, the outlined project becomes authorized, and bond issuance is limited to the approved amount ($36 million).

Section 4–7 – Bond Issuance and Management

  • The State Treasurer, with the Governor’s approval, can issue capital development bonds in serial form up to the approved amount.
  • Proceeds must be used for the approved projects and may be used for refunding bonds as allowed.
  • Bonds are generally general obligations of the state, with provisions for denominations, interest, redemption, and sale terms. Premiums and net proceeds may be deposited into the state’s capital plan fund unless federal law requires otherwise.
  • Surplus funds (from bond sales) may be used to retire or repurchase bonds.

Section 8–9 – Tax Status and Investment

  • Bonds are exempt from state taxation and are backed by the full faith and credit of the state.
  • Unneeded bond fund monies may be invested, with investment income directed to the state’s general fund to pay debt service, subject to federal restrictions and refunds considerations.

Section 10–12 – Appropriation, Advances, Federal/Private Funds

  • Annual debt service payments are to be provided from the treasury if not otherwise funded.
  • The Treasurer may advance funds from the general fund to the capital development bond fund in anticipation of bond issuance, with repayment from bond proceeds.
  • The act permits seeking federal assistance or private funds to support the project, deposited into the capital development fund.

Section 13 – Effective Dates

  • Sections 1, 2, 3, 11, 12, and 13 take effect upon passage.
  • Remaining sections take effect only after a majority voter approval of the Section 1 ballot proposition.

Who/What Is Affected

  • The Boys and Girls Clubs of Rhode Island and their facilities statewide, including Newport County, Cumberland-Lincoln, East Providence, Pawtucket, Providence, and Warwick.
  • State financing mechanisms and processes for issuing general obligation bonds and related debt, as well as the administration of the capital development fund and potential revenue sources (federal/private funds, investment income).

Timeline and Process

  • Referendum scheduled for the November 2026 general election.
  • If approved, bond issuance would proceed under the governor and treasurer’s oversight, with project funds disbursed for the approved improvements over time, in accordance with bond terms and state finance laws.

This bill is a targeted capital funding measure aimed at modernizing and expanding Rhode Island Boys and Girls Clubs to support youth programming, safety, and accessibility.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.