This bill proposes to expand the number of Grafton County commissioners from 3 to 5, with all commissioners being elected to 2-year terms. The current law, RSA 662:4, V, is repealed and reenacted to establish five distinct commissioner districts, which include specific towns and areas within Grafton County. Additionally, the bill amends RSA 653:1, VI(j) to specify that, starting from the 2026 state general election, commissioners from districts 1 and 3 will be elected to 2-year terms, while the previous provision for varying term lengths is deleted.

The changes will not affect the current commissioners' terms, and the new districts will be in effect for the 2028 state general election. If any vacancies occur before this election, they will be filled according to existing laws. The fiscal impact of adding two commissioners is estimated to be approximately $38,551.47 for FY 2028, which includes salaries, inflation adjustments, and associated costs. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2028, for the new commissioner districts, while the remainder of the act will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 653:1