House Finance Committee takes testimony on a dozen education and community bills; all bills placed on further study

The House Finance Committee heard sponsors and witnesses on 13 bills at a packed hearing that ranged from municipal school bonds and housing incentives to health and education programs. Committee members adopted a procedural motion at the start of the hearing to place all bills on the day’s agenda on “further study.” That motion was seconded and adopted by voice vote; no final disposition on individual bills was taken.

Bills introduced or presented at the hearing (summary):

- HB 6077 — Central Falls school construction enabling bond (sponsor: Representative Geraldo). Authorizes the city of Central Falls to issue up to $50,000,000 in bonds to close a financing gap for a dual-language elementary school; sponsor said voters approved a $26 million question last November and the city expects it needs roughly $15 million to finish the project. Resolution and city support letters were filed.

- HB 6129 — West Warwick school bond (sponsor: Representative ?). Enabling legislation for a school bond not to exceed $71,000,000; sponsor said multiple community meetings identified overcrowding in four of six schools and submitted planning documents.

- HB 6099 — Town school bond enabling (sponsor: Representative Spears).…