Revision: March 19, 2025, 1:17 p.m.
Rep. Pauer, Hills. 36
March 6, 2025
2025-0795h
07/05
Amendment to HB 613
Amend RSA 40:14-d as inserted by section 1 of the bill by replacing it with the following:
40:14-d Method of Adopting Reduced Default Budget Option.
I. The provisions of RSA 40:14-c may be adopted by any local political subdivision whose legislative body has adopted RSA 40:13. A 3/5 majority of those voting on the question shall be required to adopt the provisions of RSA 40:14-c. Only votes in the affirmative or negative shall be included in the calculation of the 3/5 majority.
II. The question shall be placed on the warrant of the annual or special meeting by the governing body, or by petition under the procedures set out in RSA 39:3, RSA 197:2, or RSA 197:6.
III. A public hearing shall be held by the local governing body on the question at least 15 days, but not more than 30 days, before the question is to be voted on. In multi-town districts, a public hearing shall be held in each town embraced by the district, none of which shall be held on the same day. Notice of the hearing shall be posted in at least 2 public places in the town and at least 2 public places in each town of multi-town districts, and published in a newspaper of general circulation at least 7 days prior to the date of the hearing.
IV. The wording of the question shall be: "Shall we adopt an annual option for a default budget, reduced by (R) percent, instead of the default budget, when the proposed operating budget is defeated, per RSA 40:14-c? A 3/5 majority of those voting on the question shall be required." Only votes in the affirmative or negative shall be included in the calculation of the 3/5 majority. R shall be a number between 1 and 10, inclusive. The question shall not be subject to amendment by the legislative body.
V. Voting on the question shall be by official ballot. If a 3/5 majority of those voting on the question vote "yes,'' RSA 40:14-c shall apply beginning the following fiscal year and for all subsequent years until changed as provided in paragraph VI or rescinded as provided in paragraph VII.
VI. Any local political subdivision which has adopted RSA 40:14-c may consider adoption of a new reduced default budget option in the manner described in paragraphs I through V. If the adoption of a new reduced default budget option fails, the existing reduced default budget option shall continue to apply.
VII. Any local political subdivision that has adopted RSA 40:14-c may consider rescinding its action in the manner described in paragraphs I-V.The wording of the question shall be: "Shall we rescind the provisions of RSA 40:14-c, known as the reduced default budget option, so that there will no longer be any option for a reduced default budget. A 3/5 majority of those voting on the question shall be required.'' A 3/5 majority of those voting on the question shall be required to rescind the provisions of this section, except in the case of repeal by charter enactment under RSA 49-D.