This bill amends existing laws to clarify the powers and authorities of towns that adopt a town council-town manager charter, aligning them with those of city councils under RSA 49-C. It modifies RSA 49-D:2, I to specify that a town charter can provide for different forms of legislative bodies as allowed under RSA 49-D:3. The amendment ensures that a town charter that opts for a legislative body pursuant to 49-D:3, I will have the same powers as a city council, subject to RSA 41:16. Additionally, the bill allows for a charter that establishes a budgetary town meeting pursuant to 49-D:3, II to reserve voter authority over land use ordinance amendments and bond issue approvals.

The bill also amends RSA 41:16 to mandate that the position of town clerk must be an elected role, regardless of the form of government established under RSA 49-D. This change ensures that the election of town clerks is consistent across different forms of municipal government. The act was approved on August 4, 2023, and is set to take effect on October 3, 2023.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 49-D:2
As Amended by the Senate: 49-D:2, 41:16
As Amended by the House: 49-D:2, 41:16
Version adopted by both bodies: 49-D:2, 41:16
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 49-D:2, 41:16