This bill facilitates the establishment of county-wide communications districts by allowing counties to initiate the process. It amends existing definitions and procedures in RSA 53-G to include counties alongside municipalities. Specifically, the definition of "District" is expanded to encompass a communications district formed by two or more municipalities or a single county. Additionally, the term "Member" is revised to include counties that choose to form or join a communications district. The bill also allows the governing body of a county to create a communications district planning committee, which can include representatives from municipalities within the proposed county-wide district.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that if the planning committee finds the formation of a district desirable, it must prepare a proposed district agreement and hold public information sessions in each municipality involved. The notice of these hearings must be published in local newspapers, posted on municipal and county websites, and made available in public places. This ensures transparency and community involvement in the establishment of communications districts. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 53-G:1, 53-G:2
As Amended by the House: 53-G:1, 53-G:2