This bill mandates that suitable public facilities, such as schools and town halls, must be made available as polling places upon request by local election officials, specifically the selectmen of a town or the ward officers of a city ward. The new section, RSA 658:9-b, outlines that any town- or city-owned facility that meets size and accessibility requirements must be designated for use as a polling place for all elections. Additionally, it stipulates that when a facility is designated as a polling place, it must be reserved to ensure the election's conduct while allowing normal governmental or educational operations to continue.

The bill also places the responsibility for reasonable costs associated with the use of these facilities, such as custodial services, utilities, and security, on the municipality unless otherwise agreed upon. The estimated fiscal impact indicates that local expenditures could increase by more than $10,000 to $100,000 due to the potential need for additional staffing and essential services when adding polling locations. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.