This bill amends the powers and duties of cooperative school district budget committees by requiring them to review and provide recommendations on all proposed warrant articles or supplemental appropriations that involve the expenditure of funds. The bill also modifies the role of the school board member on the budget committee, changing their position from a voting member to an ex-officio, non-voting capacity. This change aims to streamline the decision-making process and ensure that the budget committee has a clear and independent role in financial oversight.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that any proposed warrant articles must include a notation indicating whether the budget committee recommends the appropriation. It prohibits the discussion of any additional appropriations at public hearings unless the budget committee has had the opportunity to review and make recommendations on them. The budget committee is required to vote on each warrant article proposing an appropriation or expenditure, with the results of these votes to be recorded and printed on the warrant. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 195:12-a
As Amended by the House: 195:12-a
Version adopted by both bodies: 195:12-a