This bill amends various sections of New Hampshire law regarding the filling of vacancies on elected municipal boards 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, such as the appointment by the budget committee or selectmen, and the requirement for newly appointed members to serve until the next annual meeting. The bill aims to ensure that candidates who have previously run for office are given priority in filling 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