Bill > HB1220

This bill allows school districts to vote on whether their local city council or similar governing body can review and approve school budgets. If a school district chooses to adopt this alternative budget procedure, residents will vote on a ballot measure at their annual school district meeting. The ballot will ask if voters want to give their local governing body the authority to review and approve the school budget. If a majority of voters approve the measure, the city council will gain budget review and approval powers starting at the next annual meeting. The bill outlines a detailed process for voting on this change, including specific ballot language, vote counting procedures, and options for rescinding the alternative budget procedure in future years. The process includes provisions for ballot storage, potential recounts, and allows districts to revisit the decision at subsequent annual meetings. For towns with a charter, the method of adopting this alternative budget procedure would follow the charter amendment process. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, providing time for school districts to understand and potentially implement the new budget review option.

Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=2149&inflect=2