This bill amends RSA 40:13 to allow both the original and amended versions of warrant articles to be voted on consecutively at ballot referenda forms of town meetings. The new legal language specifies that if both versions are approved, the one with the higher percentage of "yes" votes will be adopted. Additionally, if both versions receive the same percentage of "yes" votes, the amended version will prevail. The bill also introduces a statement that will appear on the ballot, clarifying the voting process for these articles. The amendments include the insertion of language to replace the term "Warrant" with "For warrant" and the addition of notations "Original" and "Amended" to distinguish between the two versions.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the voting requirements for warrant articles, stating that approval will generally be by simple majority, except where a 2/3 or 3/5 vote is mandated by law or agreement. The bill is expected to have an indeterminable impact on local expenditures due to potential increases in ballot length, administrative adjustments, and the need for voter education, with any fiscal effects anticipated to arise in FY 2026. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 40:13