Authorizes the State of Rhode Island to issue up to eighteen million dollars ($18,000,000) in general obligation bonds, subject to voter approval, to support the Roger Williams Park Zoo.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would allow Rhode Island to borrow up to $18 million by issuing general obligation bonds to provide financial support to the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence. General obligation bonds are essentially loans that the state takes out and repays over time, backed by the state's credit. However, this borrowing cannot happen unless Rhode Island voters first approve it in a public referendum, meaning residents would have the final say on whether the state takes on this debt.

The money would go toward supporting the Roger Williams Park Zoo, though the bill does not specify exactly how the funds would be used — details about specific projects or improvements would likely be determined separately. The zoo, located in Roger Williams Park in Providence, is a well-known public attraction and conservation institution in the state.

This bill affects Rhode Island taxpayers broadly, since general obligation bonds are repaid using state funds, which ultimately come from tax revenue. If voters approve the measure, the state would take on up to $18 million in debt, with repayment costs spread out over time. Zoo visitors, employees, and wildlife conservation efforts in the state could also be affected, depending on how the funds are ultimately spent. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, having been referred to the House Finance Committee for review.