Bill > SB653

This bill allows counties to change the timing of their biennial budgets, which are financial plans covering two-year periods. Specifically, it enables a county to shift its biennial budget to align with the "off year" of state elections, meaning the year when state-level elections are not held. To initiate this change, a majority of county voters must approve it through a ballot question. The process begins with a vote by the county commissioners, where a majority must agree to put the question to the voters. This decision by the commissioners must occur by September 1st before the state elections. Before the vote, the county must provide public notice of the commissioners' decision at least 15 days and no more than 60 days in advance, using methods like local newspapers, the county's website or social media, and posted notices, or any other method the commissioners deem suitable. The ballot question will ask voters if they want to move to a biennial budget cycle starting in a specific year.

Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=3255&sy=2026&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2026&txtbillnumber=SB653