The bill amends sections of the Rhode Island General Laws related to state aid for school housing costs, setting a minimum school housing-aid ratio of 35% for projects approved after June 30, 2012, and capping incentive percentage points at 20 for projects starting construction by June 30, 2024, with an additional 5 points for projects thereafter. It also details conditions for increased aid ratios for various project types, such as those focusing on high-performance design, safety, and health deficiencies, and requires the approval of a $250,000,000 general obligation bond. The bill includes both insertions and deletions, such as changing the construction commencement date and adding a new subsection for specific project types.

Additionally, the bill specifies that only projects at school facilities under the care of the school committee and located on school property are eligible for reimbursement, and now includes interest payments as reimbursable expenses. It introduces requirements for large projects to study the benefits of project labor agreements and defines the roles of the school building authority. The bill mandates compliance with prevailing wage laws, minority business enterprise participation, and apprenticeship programs, and outlines the prioritization of school construction projects. It also sets limits on incentive points a district can receive and states that aid shall not exceed 100% of total project costs plus interest. The bill requires an independent study for large projects and will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
455: 16-105-3