House Bill No. 7288, also known as Public Act No. 25-174, authorizes the issuance of state bonds totaling up to $787,405,019 for various projects, effective July 1, 2025. The bill allocates funds across multiple state departments, including significant investments in information technology, veterans' facilities, and educational infrastructure, such as $75 million for IT upgrades and $113.7 million for a new Windham Technical High School. It also revises existing statutes related to school building projects and grant programs, streamlining funding processes and introducing new provisions aimed at environmental improvements and energy efficiency. Notably, the bill increases the maximum bond issuance limit from $2.644 billion to $3.044 billion, with $200 million of this authorization becoming effective on July 1, 2026.

Additionally, the bill establishes guidelines for the management of bonds, requiring requests for authorization to be signed by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management and specifying that proceeds will be used for designated projects. It includes provisions for grants-in-aid to municipalities and healthcare facilities, as well as funding for housing initiatives and educational support. The bill emphasizes fiscal responsibility by ensuring that bonds issued are general obligations of the state, backed by its full faith and credit, and outlines repayment mechanisms for grants that cease to be used for their intended purpose. Overall, House Bill No. 7288 aims to enhance state infrastructure and services through targeted investments while ensuring accountability in the use of state funds.

Statutes affected:
New Bill: 10-265t, 10-287d, 32-4q, 32-285a, 32-763, 32-765, 8-445, 10-285a, 10-66hh, 4-66p, 31-57e, 10-262h, 31-57s, 31-49e, 31-49h, 31-51kk, 31-51rr
Public Act No. 25-174: 10-265t, 10-287d, 32-4q, 32-285a, 32-763, 32-765, 8-445, 10-285a, 10-66hh, 4-66p, 31-57e, 10-262h, 31-57s, 31-49e, 31-49h, 31-51kk, 31-51rr