Bill > HB407

This bill amends New Hampshire state law (specifically RSA 40:13) to establish a new minimum voter participation threshold for town and school budget warrant articles in towns that use ballot voting during town meetings. Under the proposed change, a warrant article (a formal written request or proposal) will only pass if it receives votes from at least 15 percent of the town's registered voters and a majority of those who actually vote. This means that for a budget or spending item to be approved, not only must a majority of voters support it, but the total number of voters must represent at least 15 percent of all registered voters in the town. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, which is designed to give towns time to prepare for and understand the new voting requirements. The provision aims to ensure a minimum level of voter engagement and representation in local budget decisions, potentially preventing small groups from making significant financial decisions with low overall voter turnout.

Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=0831&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB407