This bill amends existing laws regarding the procedures for adopting an official ballot referendum form of town meetings. It mandates that any questions proposing to adopt this form must be placed first on the annual meeting warrants, ensuring they are prioritized in the voting process. Specifically, the bill inserts language into RSA 40:14, III stating that "The question shall be placed first on the warrant," and also clarifies that voting on this question will occur by ballot, separate from the official ballot used for electing officers. Additionally, it stipulates that polls must remain open for at least one hour after the discussion on the question concludes.

Furthermore, the bill modifies RSA 33:8-a, II to include the adoption of the official ballot referendum form of town meeting among the items that must be acted upon prior to other business, except for the election of officers and certain other specified matters. This insertion aims to ensure that the adoption of the official ballot referendum is treated with the same priority as significant financial decisions, such as bond or note issues exceeding $100,000. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 40:14
As Amended by the Senate: 40:14, 33:8-a
HB1131 text: 40:14