This bill amends the qualifications for individuals seeking to hold 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 replaces the previous language that simply required a domicile in the county with more specific language that emphasizes 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 provision for Strafford County, indicating that the new qualifications will not affect the constituencies or terms of office for current commissioners. The updated qualifications will be applicable for the election of commissioners at the 2026 state general election and for any vacancies that may arise prior to 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