This bill proposes amendments to RSA 5:6-d, III, which pertains to the use of the election fund by the Secretary of State. The bill changes the language from "is authorized to" to "shall" accept, budget, and expend monies for various election-related purposes, including the purchase or lease of election equipment that complies with federal and state laws. The bill introduces new provisions for the Secretary of State to assist towns and cities in purchasing election equipment and improving election security. It sets a cap on the principal amount of the election funds spent at $3,000,000 and specifies that towns and cities can receive no more than half of the estimated cost of the requested technology. The authority to disburse these funds will terminate upon the disbursement of $3,000,000 or by December 31, 2027, whichever comes first, with any undistributed funds being returned to the election fund by January 31, 2028.

The fiscal note attached to the bill indicates that there will be an indeterminable decrease in the election fund of up to $1,800,000 and an increase in expenditures of up to $1,200,000 from the General Fund annually from FY 2025 to FY 2027 to supplement the Help America Vote Again (HAVA) Office budget. The bill also removes the requirement for the election fund to maintain a balance of twelve times the estimated annual cost of maintaining programs established to comply with the Help America Vote Act of 2002. The Department of State may need to request additional General Funds in their budget beginning with the FY 2026-2027 operating budget. Local revenue and expenditures are expected to increase indeterminably up to $3,000,000, as towns and cities will receive aid for election equipment and security but will also be required to cover half of the costs. The bill is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 5:6-d
As Amended by the House: 5:6-d