This bill amends the definition of "default budget" in RSA 40:13, IX(b) to include salary and benefit reductions that occur due to position turnover. The new language specifies that the default budget will now be reduced by any salary and benefits reductions resulting from positions that have turned over before the public hearing for the proposed budget. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the default budget will still account for the same appropriations as the previous year's operating budget, adjusted for debt service, contracts, and other obligations, as well as one-time expenditures.

The bill also removes the previous stipulation that the default budget be reduced solely by salaries and benefits of positions eliminated in the proposed budget. The effective date for this change is set for January 1, 2026. Overall, the bill aims to provide a more comprehensive approach to calculating the default budget by incorporating the financial impacts of position turnover.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 40:13