This bill amends the process for determining the default budget in local political subdivisions that have adopted the official ballot referenda form of meeting and a municipal budget committee. Specifically, it repeals and reenacts RSA 40:14-b to assign the responsibility of determining the default budget to the budget committee rather than the governing body. Additionally, it modifies RSA 32:16, I to remove the previous authorization requirement for the budget committee to prepare a default budget, and it clarifies the definition of "default budget" in RSA 40:13, IX(b) to ensure that it aligns with the new provisions.

Furthermore, the bill makes several amendments to RSA 40:13 regarding the disclosure and presentation of the default budget at budget hearings. It specifies that the governing body must complete a default budget form created by the department of revenue administration, detailing how the default budget amount was calculated. The bill also allows for adjustments to the default budget by the governing body based on new information before ballots are printed, provided that the new provisions apply. Overall, the changes aim to streamline the budget determination process and enhance transparency in local government budgeting.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 32:5
As Amended by the House: 32:16, 40:13
Version adopted by both bodies: 32:16, 40:13
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 32:16, 40:13
HB1575 text: 32:5