This bill aims to redefine and limit the authority of police commissions by repealing and reenacting RSA 105-C:4. The new legal language specifies that police commissions will not be considered governing bodies under RSA 32, thereby restricting their powers and duties. The bill outlines that police commissioners are responsible for appointing police personnel and establishing compensation structures, enforcing operational rules for the police force, and removing personnel for just cause after due process. However, special police officers can be removed without just cause.

Additionally, the bill introduces strict limitations on the financial authority of police commissions. It prohibits the use of unused or unencumbered funds from the police department budget for salary increases or other compensations beyond established step raises. Funds allocated for vacant positions can only be used to support those positions once filled, and any unspent funds will revert to the unreserved fund balance at the end of the fiscal year. This legislation is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.