This bill amends existing law to allow municipal forest committees or conservation commissions to identify surpluses in the special forest maintenance fund and offer these surpluses to the municipality for deposit into the municipal unreserved fund balance. The amendment specifically modifies RSA 31:113 by inserting provisions that enable the fund expending authority to determine if there is a surplus in the special forest maintenance fund. If a surplus is identified, the committee or commission can propose this surplus to the municipality, which must then vote to accept the deposit into the unreserved fund balance.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that the proceeds from the forest maintenance fund can accumulate from year to year unless otherwise decided by the municipality's legislative body. The effective date of this act is set for 60 days after its passage, which is September 13, 2025. The changes aim to enhance the financial management of municipal forest funds and provide municipalities with additional resources when surpluses are available.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 31:113
As Amended by the House: 31:113
As Amended by the Senate: 31:113
Version adopted by both bodies: 31:113
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 31:113