Hopkinton council adopts a slate of resolutions on state bills, Victory Day and education funding
April 22, 2025 | Hopkinton, Washington County, Rhode Island
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The Hopkinton Town Council on April 21 voted on a series of resolutions expressing the town’s positions on state legislation and local concerns.
Votes at a glance
- Resolution opposing specific state land-use bills: The council approved a resolution opposing multiple proposed amendments to the state’s land-use and zoning statutes (bills cited in the town packet). The motion listed opposition to H 57 94 (sub A), H 57 96, H 57 99 (sub A), H 59 58, H 59 63, H 58 01, H 58 02 (sub A) and a senate bill cited as S O 851 (as listed in the packet). The motion passed on voice/roll-call: James (yes); Roy (yes); Burns (yes); [other recorded “Here”].
- Resolution opposing House Bill 58 87 (renaming Victory Day): The council heard a public presentation from Dora Vasquez Hellner (past state VFW commander) and adopted a resolution expressing concern about a proposed renaming of Victory Day to “Peace and Remembrance Day.” Councilors cited the historical significance of Rhode Island’s World War II contributions. The motion passed on a recorded roll call: Davis (yes); James (yes); Roy (yes); Burns (yes).
- Resolution supporting education funding/transportation bills: The council adopted a resolution asking the state to fully fund transportation categorical funds intended by Rhode Island General Law 16-7.2-6 and to support regional school funding (resolution language in packet). The council separately approved a resolution in support of H 52 04, which would permit regional districts to use their own vendor to transport students outside district limits as an option. Both measures passed on recorded votes.
During debate, councilors and staff said the land-use resolution was drafted after presentations from planning staff and town zoning chairs, and that the town should protect local control over zoning, short-term rentals and subdivisions. The packet’s short-term rental language was described by staff as effectively preempting local regulation.
The resolutions are advisory statements to the General Assembly and do not change local law. Councilors said they will forward the adopted resolutions to the town’s legislators and to regional partners.
Votes at a glance
- Resolution opposing specific state land-use bills: The council approved a resolution opposing multiple proposed amendments to the state’s land-use and zoning statutes (bills cited in the town packet). The motion listed opposition to H 57 94 (sub A), H 57 96, H 57 99 (sub A), H 59 58, H 59 63, H 58 01, H 58 02 (sub A) and a senate bill cited as S O 851 (as listed in the packet). The motion passed on voice/roll-call: James (yes); Roy (yes); Burns (yes); [other recorded “Here”].
- Resolution opposing House Bill 58 87 (renaming Victory Day): The council heard a public presentation from Dora Vasquez Hellner (past state VFW commander) and adopted a resolution expressing concern about a proposed renaming of Victory Day to “Peace and Remembrance Day.” Councilors cited the historical significance of Rhode Island’s World War II contributions. The motion passed on a recorded roll call: Davis (yes); James (yes); Roy (yes); Burns (yes).
- Resolution supporting education funding/transportation bills: The council adopted a resolution asking the state to fully fund transportation categorical funds intended by Rhode Island General Law 16-7.2-6 and to support regional school funding (resolution language in packet). The council separately approved a resolution in support of H 52 04, which would permit regional districts to use their own vendor to transport students outside district limits as an option. Both measures passed on recorded votes.
During debate, councilors and staff said the land-use resolution was drafted after presentations from planning staff and town zoning chairs, and that the town should protect local control over zoning, short-term rentals and subdivisions. The packet’s short-term rental language was described by staff as effectively preempting local regulation.
The resolutions are advisory statements to the General Assembly and do not change local law. Councilors said they will forward the adopted resolutions to the town’s legislators and to regional partners.
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