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 establishes that the budget committee, rather than the governing body, will be responsible for determining the default budget. The bill repeals and reenacts RSA 40:14-b to reflect this change, and it also amends RSA 32:16, I to remove the previous authorization for the governing body to determine the default budget. Additionally, it modifies the definitions and calculations related to the default budget in RSA 40:13, IX(b) and XI(a)-(b), ensuring that the provisions of RSA 40:14-b apply to the calculation and presentation of the default budget.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that the default budget must be disclosed at the first budget hearing and outlines the requirements for the governing body to complete a default budget form created by the department of revenue administration. It specifies that the default budget amount cannot be amended by the legislative body but can be adjusted by the governing body based on new information before the ballots are printed. The bill also includes provisions for political subdivisions with separate funds for water or sewer systems, allowing the budget committee to determine the default amount for appropriations related to these funds if RSA 40:14-b applies. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage.

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