Bill > HB1027

This bill modifies existing New Hampshire law regarding local conservation commissions by requiring their appropriations and expenditures to be approved by local governing bodies. Specifically, the bill amends two sections of state law (RSA 36-A) to mandate that conservation commissions obtain approval from their local governing body before: 1) contributing funds to qualified organizations for purchasing property interests, and 2) appropriating or spending money from their conservation fund. A "qualified organization" is defined by the Internal Revenue Code as an entity eligible to receive tax-deductible conservation contributions. The bill ensures that local government has oversight of conservation commission spending, requiring approval for financial transactions related to land conservation efforts. The changes will take effect 60 days after the bill's passage, giving local municipalities time to adjust their processes. The underlying intent appears to be increasing governmental accountability and transparency in how conservation funds are used at the local level.

Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1587&inflect=2