This bill amends existing laws regarding the management of conservation funds by specifying the roles of town and city treasurers. It inserts language to clarify that a city treasurer, in addition to a town treasurer, shall have custody of all moneys in a conservation fund and can only disburse these funds upon the order of the conservation commission. The bill also emphasizes that the disbursement of conservation funds requires authorization from a majority of the conservation commission and mandates a public hearing before funds can be used for purchasing real property or contributing to qualified organizations.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new paragraph to RSA 48:16, explicitly stating the duties of the city treasurer concerning conservation funds. This new provision ensures that the city treasurer's responsibilities align with those of the town treasurer, thereby standardizing the management of conservation funds across different municipalities. The bill is set to take effect 60 days after its passage, with an effective date of July 17, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 36-A:5, 48:16
Version adopted by both bodies: 36-A:5, 48:16
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 36-A:5, 48:16
HB1151 text: 36-A:5, 48:16