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SB 3291

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon and 8 co-sponsors

Authorizes up to $36 million in general obligation bonds via a November 2026 referendum to fund major capital improvements for Boys and Girls Clubs across Rhode Island.

05/28/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SB 3291

Overview

  • Bill: SB 3291
  • Session: Rhode Island 2026
  • Title: AN ACT RELATING TO THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS OF RHODE ISLAND -- 2026 BOND REFERENDA
  • Purpose: Place a statewide bond referendum before voters to authorize up to $36 million in general obligation bonds (and related refunding notes) to fund capital improvements for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Rhode Island.

Main Purpose and Intent

  • To authorize the issuance of up to $36,000,000 in capital development bonds (and related refunding bonds/temporary notes) to support a set of capital improvement projects for Boys and Girls Clubs across Rhode Island, contingent upon voter approval in the 2026 general election.
  • If voters approve, the funds would be used exclusively for the specified projects to modernize facilities, improve safety and accessibility, and expand programming.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Section 1: Ballot Question
    • The proposition to approve $36 million in bonds for listed Boys and Girls Clubs projects will be put to voters at the November 2026 general election.
    • Projects include six major areas (with specific facilities listed in each):
    • Newport County: Camp Grosvenor improvements (bathhouse, boat house/beach area, mess hall/kitchen, main study lodge, drinking water system).
    • Cumberland-Lincoln: Exterior/interior renovations for critical infrastructure, safety upgrades, energy efficiency, and youth programming/community spaces.
    • East Providence: Camp Crosby and Williams Avenue Clubhouse upgrades; potential repurposing of Sacred Heart School for club use.
    • Pawtucket: Transformative capital project to enhance a 20-acre outdoor campus and riverfront, plus upgrades to athletic fields, turf field, courts, play areas, and inclusive playground.
    • Providence-area: Renovations across multiple facilities including a new workforce center serving 500 teens annually in healthcare/trades/tech; expanded childcare; improved pools, gyms; new arts/dance/teen spaces; improvements to Wanskuck Club, Fox Point, Southside Clubs.
    • Warwick: Creation of the Neurodivergent Boys & Girls Club to serve children with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurodiverse needs at an existing location.
  • Section 2: Ballot Labels
    • The Secretary of State will prepare ballot labels with “approve” or “reject” options for the projects, consistent with general election laws.
  • Section 3: Voter Approval
    • Projects require a majority vote to proceed. Approved bonds/notes may not exceed the amount approved by the referendum.
  • Section 4: Bond Issuance
    • The State Treasurer (with Governor’s approval) can issue capital development bonds in serial form up to the approved amount, with terms, maturity (not beyond the end of the 20th state fiscal year following the issue year), interest, redemption terms, and other standard bond provisions set by the Treasurer.
  • Section 5: Refunding Bonds
    • The Treasurer may issue refunding bonds for the 2026 program, with restrictions (not to mature more than 20 years from original issue). Proceeds may be used to prepaid existing bonds; deposits can be invested and proceeds held in trust for prepayment.
  • Section 6: Use of Proceeds
    • Proceeds go into a designated capital development bond fund to pay project costs, under the direction of the Director of Administration. Defines authority for land purchase, planning, construction, equipment, and related costs.
  • Section 7: Sale of Bonds
    • Bonds/notes must be sold at or above par; premiums/interest net of costs go into the Rhode Island capital plan fund unless federal law directs otherwise. Surplus funds may be used to retire or redeem bonds.
  • Section 8: Tax Status and Debt
    • Bonds/notes are tax-exempt and constitute general obligations of the state, with full faith and credit pledged for payment.
  • Section 9: Investment of Funds
    • Capital development fund monies may be invested by the State Investment Commission; investment income becomes part of the general fund to pay debt service unless directed otherwise.
  • Section 10: Appropriation for Debt Service
    • A annual appropriation is authorized to ensure debt service payments.
  • Section 11: Advances from General Fund
    • Allows temporary advances to the capital development fund to cover timing gaps, to be repaid upon receipt of bond proceeds.
  • Section 12: Federal/private Funds
    • Director may pursue federal assistance or private funds to support the projects, with funds deposited into the capital development bond fund.
  • Section 13: Effective Date
    • Sections 1, 2, 3, 11, 12, and 13 take effect upon passage. Other sections take effect only after a majority vote approving the projects is certified by the State Board of Elections.

Who/What would be Affected

  • State government: General Treasurer, Governor, Director of Administration, and State agencies involved in bond issuance, debt service, and project administration.
  • Boys and Girls Clubs of Rhode Island: Access to upgraded facilities and expanded programs across multiple locations (Newport County, Cumberland-Lincoln, East Providence, Pawtucket, Providence, South/Southwest Providence cluster, and Warwick).
  • Rhode Island taxpayers: Potential indebtedness via general obligation bonds, with debt service funded from state resources.
  • Beneficiaries: Youth members and the broader community through improved facilities, safety upgrades, accessibility, workforce development programs, and a neurodivergent-focused club.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Ballot referendum scheduled for the general election on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2026.
  • If voters approve, authorizations for bonds, refunding bonds, and/or temporary notes would be in effect for the approved amount (not exceeding $36 million).
  • The act contemplates standard bond issuance processes, potential refunding operations, and ongoing debt service funding.
  • Some sections become effective only after a successful voter certification; others take effect immediately upon enactment.

Potential Impact

  • Enables substantial capital improvements to expand and modernize Boys and Girls Club facilities and programs statewide.
  • Establishes a structured debt-financing plan with potential refunding opportunities to manage long-term costs.
  • Creates dedicated funding streams and governance for project execution, including the new neurodivergent-inclusive club in Warwick.
  • Requires voter approval, linking funding to direct public consent and accountability.

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

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