Council to pursue state and local options to address squatters; supports temporary-service resolution for election officials

Burrillville — The Town Council voted March 26 to support a resolution related to a Rhode Island bill (noted in the meeting as H5315) that would allow temporary service of election officials after retirement, and it authorized the town administration to communicate with state legislators and potentially introduce model legislation addressing squatters and unauthorized residential occupancy.

Councilors discussed two tracks: working with the town’s legislative delegation to introduce or amend state law and pursuing a local ordinance through the ordinance subcommittee. Councilor Anderson said the issue has grown and urged action in advance of broader pressures related to housing; other councilors noted that municipal protections (for parks and other town-owned property) should be considered alongside residential protections. The motion authorized administration to “communicate with and potentially introduce legislation to enhance, if possible, both residential and municipal protections from squatters.”

Separately, the council voted to formally support municipal legislation on the House docket that would permit temporary service of certain election officials after retirement; the council’s public record shows the motion passed by voice vote.

Town staff and councilors noted legal complexities — including which state statutory sections would apply — and said legislative counsel would draft language for the council’s review. The council referred the local ordinance option to the ordinance subcommittee for drafting and future council consideration.