This bill amends the Municipal Budget Law to modify the procedures for adopting, rescinding, and electing members of municipal budget committees. Key changes include the repeal and reenactment of RSA 32:14, III, which now specifies that voting for budget committee members will be conducted by official ballot unless the town has not adopted this method, in which case special ballots will be used. The bill also introduces new language regarding the wording of questions posed to voters about the establishment and membership of budget committees, including provisions for staggered terms and the appointment of initial members by the moderator. Additionally, it allows towns and districts to change the number and manner of selection of their budget committee members at subsequent annual meetings.

Furthermore, the bill enables counties to adjust the timing of their biennial budgets, allowing them to align with the off-year of state elections, contingent upon a majority vote from county voters. The process for this change includes a requirement for public notice and a specific ballot question to be presented during the November state election. The bill also modifies the timeline for appointing initial members of cooperative school district budget committees from 15 to 30 days and repeals certain existing provisions related to the procedure following a favorable vote. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
As Amended by the House: 32:14, 32:15, 195:12-a