Bill > HB1418

This bill establishes a new voting threshold for towns and school districts that use the official ballot referendum form of meeting (SB 2 towns), requiring that no budget or appropriation warrant article can pass unless at least 15 percent of the registered voters cast ballots and a majority of those voters approve the article. Specifically, the bill applies to municipalities and school districts that have previously adopted the official ballot referendum method, which allows voters to vote on budget and other town/school matters by ballot instead of through traditional town hall meetings. Under this proposed legislation, a budget or spending article must meet two criteria to be approved: first, at least 15 percent of all registered voters must participate in the vote, and second, a majority of those voting must vote "Yes" for the article to pass. This requirement aims to ensure a minimum level of voter participation and support for municipal and school district spending decisions. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, giving towns and school districts time to prepare for the new voting requirements.

Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=2405&inflect=2