This bill amends the process for adopting the official ballot referendum form of town meetings by modifying existing legal language in RSA 40:14. Specifically, it introduces new provisions that require local political subdivisions to place the question of adopting the official ballot referendum on the warrant of the annual meeting, following the procedures outlined in RSA 39:3 or RSA 197:6. The bill stipulates that the question must be voted on by official ballot in accordance with established procedures, including those related to absentee voting, polling places, and polling hours. The previous requirement that the question not be placed on the official ballot used for electing officers has been removed.

Additionally, the bill allows local political subdivisions that have previously adopted RSA 40:13 to consider rescinding that action. The wording of the question for rescission is specified, and a 3/5 majority of those voting is required to approve the rescission, with only affirmative or negative votes counted in this calculation. The effective date of the act is set for 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 40:14
HB1131 text: 40:14