This bill allows towns to establish a three-year term for town moderators, amending existing laws to provide flexibility in the election cycle. Specifically, it modifies RSA 40:1 to permit the election of moderators every two or three years, as determined by the town. The language deleted from current law specifies that elections occur in even-numbered years, while the new insertion allows for elections to take place when the current moderator's term expires. Additionally, a new section, RSA 41:1-a, is introduced, enabling voters at annual town meetings to decide whether to adopt a two-year or three-year term for the moderator, with the results influencing the next election.

Furthermore, the bill amends RSA 671:6-a, III, to clarify that the terms for school district clerks, moderators, and treasurers can be set for one, two, or three years, while ensuring that changes to the terms of these officers occur collectively, except for moderators as specified in the new provision. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage, with an effective date of July 17, 2026.

Statutes affected:
As Amended by the House: 40:1, 671:6-a
Version adopted by both bodies: 40:1, 671:6-a
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 40:1, 671:6-a