This bill amends the qualifications for holding the office of county commissioner by establishing a domicile requirement. Specifically, it stipulates that a person must be an inhabitant who resides actually and permanently in the county from which they are elected. The bill modifies the existing law by replacing the previous language that required a domicile in the county with new language that emphasizes the need for actual and permanent residency. Additionally, it clarifies that this requirement applies to all counties, including Rockingham, Belknap, Grafton, Merrimack, Hillsborough, Cheshire, Sullivan, Coos, and Carroll, and introduces a provision stating that a commissioner will cease to represent their district if they no longer meet the residency requirement.

Furthermore, the bill includes a specific provision for Strafford County, indicating that the new qualifications will not affect the current commissioners' constituencies or terms of office. The updated qualifications will be applicable for the election of commissioners at the 2026 state general election and for any vacancies that may arise before that election. The act is set to take effect upon its passage, which is approved for May 8, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 655:9
As Amended by the House: 655:9
Version adopted by both bodies: 655:9
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 655:9