This bill mandates that suitable public facilities, including schools, town halls, and other municipal properties, must be made available as polling places upon request by local election officials, specifically the selectmen of a town or ward officers of a city ward. The new section, 658:9-b, outlines that any town, city, or school-owned facility that meets size and accessibility requirements must be designated for use as polling places for all elections. Additionally, it stipulates that when a facility is designated as a polling place, it should be reserved to ensure the election's smooth 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 services related to the new polling locations. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage.