This bill amends various sections of New Hampshire law regarding the filling of vacancies on elected municipal and school boards. The key provision requires that if a board chooses to fill a vacancy with an applicant who ran in any of the last three elections for that office, they must first extend an offer to the runner-up from the most recent prior election. This new requirement is inserted into multiple statutes, including RSA 671:33, RSA 32:15, RSA 49-B:4, RSA 289:6, RSA 197:26, RSA 669:61, RSA 669:64, and RSA 669:75.

In addition to the insertions, the bill maintains the existing processes for filling vacancies, ensuring that appointed individuals serve until the next annual meeting, at which point a successor will be elected or appointed. The bill aims to enhance the democratic process by giving previous candidates a chance to fill vacancies, thereby promoting continuity and representation in local governance. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 671:33, 32:15, 49-B:4, 289:6, 197:26, 669:61, 669:64, 669:75