This bill modifies the procedures for adopting, rescinding, and electing members of municipal budget committees and cooperative school district budget committees. Key changes include the repeal and reenactment of RSA 32:14, III, which now specifies that voting for budget committee members will be conducted by official ballot unless the town has not adopted this method, in which case special ballots will be used. The bill also introduces new wording for the questions posed to voters regarding the establishment and composition of budget committees, including provisions for appointing initial members-at-large by the moderator or electing them with staggered terms.

Additionally, the bill amends RSA 32:15, III-IV, to clarify the process for electing initial members-at-large and allows towns or districts to change the number or selection method of their budget committee members at subsequent annual meetings. The timeframe for appointing members of cooperative school district budget committees is extended from 15 to 30 days following the vote to establish the committee. The bill also repeals RSA 32:14, IV, which previously outlined procedures if the vote was favorable. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 32:14, 32:15, 195:12-a
HB1526 text: 32:14, 32:15, 195:12-a