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 receiving 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 requirement for a statement to appear on the ballot clarifying this voting process, along with notations indicating which version is original and which is amended.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the approval process for warrant articles, stating that all articles shall be approved by a simple majority unless otherwise specified by law, contract, or written agreement. It also introduces a new paragraph that outlines the voting procedure for amended warrant articles. The effective date of the act is set for 60 days after its passage. The fiscal impact of this bill is expected to be indeterminable, primarily due to potential increases in local expenditures related to ballot length, administrative adjustments, and voter education, with any significant effects anticipated to occur starting in FY 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 40:13