Bill > HB1394

This bill modifies existing municipal charter amendment procedures to explicitly allow municipal officers (local government leaders) to place a proposed charter amendment directly on the ballot by a two-thirds vote, specifically when the amendment would change the fundamental structure of local government. These structural changes could include adopting a town council, switching to a city form of government, transitioning between council-manager and mayor-council systems, or realigning legislative and executive authority. The proposed amendment would need to be approved by a majority of voters and must be limited to a single subject, though multiple sections of the charter can be amended if they are related to that subject. Alternative statements of the same amendment are not permitted. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, providing municipalities with a new, more direct mechanism to propose significant governmental restructuring through voter approval.

Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=2420&inflect=2