Committee Summary for House Municipal and County Government (01/27/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1677 00:10:56.640 - 8:39:17 AM	Public Hearing	requiring a recommendation by a local budget committee or governing body when including warrant articles with a tax impact in an estimate for raising taxes under a local tax cap.	Turer, Eric(D)[F]2025
HB1161 00:27:26.400 - 8:55:47 AM	Public Hearing	removing the requirement for municipalities to have an advisory board for development districts.	Hicks, Matthew(D)[D-]2025
HB1184 00:44:18.319 - 9:12:39 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the issuance of no trespass orders on municipal or school district property.	Harvey-Bolia, Juliet(R)[A-]2025
HB1531 2026-0287h 01:40:22.639 - 10:08:43 AM	Public Hearing	requiring applicants for games of chance facilities licensees and game operator employer licensees to enter into host community agreements with municipalities.	Ohm, Bill(R)[B+]2025
HB1319 02:41:27.359 - 11:09:48 AM	Public Hearing	enabling towns, village districts, or school districts to adopt or rescind a local fiscal accountability committee for towns and schools.	Pauer, Diane(R)[A]2025
HB1066 03:20:48.319 - 11:49:09 AM	Public Hearing	relative to warrant articles authorizing lease agreements.	Pauer, Diane(R)[A]2025
HB1066 03:30:32.960 - 11:58:53 AM	Public Hearing	relative to warrant articles authorizing lease agreements.	Pauer, Diane(R)[A]2025
HB1309 03:41:53.920 - 12:10:14 PM	Public Hearing	relative to town meeting warrants.	Potenza, Kelley(R)[A]2025
HB1369 04:14:58.080 - 12:43:19 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the manner of posting the warrant for a special town meeting.	Beaulier, Calvin(R)[A+]2025
HB1392 04:26:30.880 - 12:54:51 PM	Public Hearing	removing the ability of the governing body or budget committee to give a written recommendation about a warrant article on the ballot.	Noble, Kristin(R)[A+]2025
HB1394 04:30:16.479 - 12:58:37 PM	Public Hearing	enabling the municipal officers to place a proposed charter amendment on the ballot that changes the form of government of the municipality.	Sweeney, Joe(R)[A]2025

HB1677: Representative Turer Support00:10:56.640 - 8:39:17 AM; Representative Turer introduced HB 1677, explaining that it addresses confusion in RSA 32:5-b regarding the inclusion of warrant articles in the tax cap calculation. The bill clarifies that only warrant articles recommended by the budget committee or governing body (if no budget committee exists) should be included in the estimated taxes under the cap, excluding petitioned articles or those with negative/no recommendation. This ensures the budget committee maintains control over the tax effort without assuming all warrant articles will pass. He noted that the change promotes consistency and clarity in implementing the tax cap, avoiding disputes at the town level. He referenced RSA 32:5-c, which mentions recommended budgets but not warrant articles, and emphasized the bill does not alter the fundamental tax cap requirements.
HB1161: Representative Matthew Hicks, representing Ward 10 East Concord Support00:27:26.400 - 8:55:47 AM; Representative Hicks introduced HB 1161, sponsored at the request of Concord officials, to make advisory boards for Tax Increment Finance (TIF) districts optional under RSA 162-K:14, changing 'shall' to 'may.' He explained that TIF districts are voluntary economic development tools used by about 35 municipalities in New Hampshire, including three in Concord since 1998. The bill addresses challenges in recruiting and retaining volunteers for these obscure boards, which are hard to staff over the long term (20-40 years). Hicks noted that TIF districts support infrastructure for new development, and making advisory boards optional would ease administrative burdens without prohibiting their use if desired by a municipality.
HB1161: Matthew Walsh, Deputy City Manager for Development, City of Concord Support00:32:18.240 - 9:00:39 AM; Matthew Walsh testified in support of HB 1161, providing background on TIF districts under RSA 162-K, a local option statute adopted by municipalities for economic development. TIFs capture incremental property tax revenue from new development to fund infrastructure, with Concord using them since 1979, including the Eagle Square district. Concord has three active TIFs (22-243 acres), generating $128.9 million in assessed value and $3.8 million annually in revenue, of which $1.4 million provides tax relief. He explained that advisory boards only make recommendations without policy or spending authority, and in Concord's city manager form of government, the city council handles these roles with professional staff. Challenges include long-term commitments and infrequent activity, making boards unnecessary. The bill would streamline TIF processes while allowing municipalities to retain boards if needed, enhancing efficiency for economic development.
HB1161: Tim Thompson, Assistant Director of Community Development, City of Concord Support00:40:32.800 - 9:08:53 AM; Tim Thompson supports HB 1161 by adding to previous testimonies on TIF districts in Concord. He notes that RSA 162-K:14 lacks defined roles for advisory boards, creating ambiguity beyond making recommendations. He advocates extending local option to creating these boards to promote economic development.
HB1184: Representative Juliet Harvey-Bolia, representing Tilton and Sanbornton Support00:44:18.319 - 9:12:39 AM; Representative Harvey-Bolia introduces HB 1184FN, a reintroduction of last year's HB 143 with broad bipartisan support. The bill adds due process to no trespass orders (NTOs) on public property, including a 24-hour emergency verbal NTO. She emphasizes the need for redress, comparing it to appeals in zoning or tickets, protected by constitutions. She highlights First Amendment issues where NTOs are weaponized against critics, like parents or budget committee members. The bill requires clear reasons on NTOs, opportunity to be heard by governing bodies, and limits durations. She provides examples: a valedictorian trespassed for critical speech, a homeless man jailed without redress, and vague orders causing confusion. During Q&A, she addresses unanimous votes (suggests majority alternative), hearing timelines (suggests 30 days), notification methods, decisions post-hearing, verbal NTOs for immediate issues, distinctions from restraining orders, and blanket NTOs for districts.
HB1184: Representative James Tibo, representing City of Franklin and Town of Northfield Support01:16:16.320 - 9:44:37 AM; Representative Tibo supports HB 1184FN, noting NTOs protect public spaces but can be abused to suppress speech. He cites parents in Bow School District trespassed for wearing armbands protesting a male on girls' soccer team, barring them from school without appeal. The bill sets standards: 24-hour urgent NTOs, then unanimous governing body approval for 90 days or 1 year with history, including appeal hearings. This ensures due process, transparency, and prevents indefinite NTOs, protecting citizens while allowing justified restrictions.
HB1184: Representative Barton Support01:19:03.520 - 9:47:24 AM; Representative Barton supports HB 1184FN based on personal experience. After filing safety complaints about her daughter's IEP school in a neighboring town, she received an NTO four days later, suspecting retaliation. The order lacked reasons despite requests, and the school board denied a hearing under local policy. She appealed to the State Board of Education, which granted one after 90+ days. At the hearing, the district's attorney stated no right to hearing, recourse is complying or convincing the superintendent. This caused her daughter to miss school due to transport issues. The bill curbs such abuses by elected officials using NTOs coercively, providing due process.
HB1184: Sarah Burke Cohen, representing New Hampshire Municipal Association Oppose01:23:25.360 - 9:51:46 AM; Sarah Burke Cohen opposes HB 1184FN, arguing it creates safety risks by requiring public meetings within 24 hours for permanent NTOs, which is unwieldy for rapid threats to employees and citizens. Unanimous governing body votes make issuance nearly impossible. Current RSA 635:2 allows NTOs appealable to Superior Court without extra steps. The bill adds unnecessary bureaucracy, time, and costs. She raises issues: post-24-hour access, repeated 24-hour orders, hearing safety risks, police roles, and automatic rescission of long-term NTOs causing problems. During Q&A, she clarifies unanimous means present with quorum but still difficult; restraining orders may not always fit; existing appeals suffice; non-unanimous votes prevent issuance, potentially problematic; long-term NTOs lack tracking.
HB1184: Eric Power, Town of Brookline Support01:35:50.320 - 10:04:11 AM; Eric Power from the Town of Brookline supports HB 1184FN, emphasizing the importance of due process in issuing no trespass orders to prevent abuse. He praises the requirement for unanimous governing body approval using a beyond reasonable doubt standard and suggests extending the emergency meeting notice from 24 to 48 hours. He highlights how the bill ensures reasons for orders are outlined, protecting individuals and municipalities from liability. Power notes that orders lasting over 90 days would be rescinded, allowing reinstatement if needed, and shares an example of a neighbor's multi-year order. He concludes that the bill protects municipalities, school districts, and individuals.
HB1531 2026-0287h: Representative M, Hillsborough 10, City of Nashua, Ward 9 Support01:40:22.639 - 10:08:43 AM; Representative M introduces HB 1531FN with amendment 2026-0287h, focusing on local control for gaming establishments' impacts. The bill mandates host community agreements (HCAs) for new and renewing licenses, allowing municipalities to negotiate terms for mitigating foreseeable impacts like traffic and social services. Procedures include notice, public comment, a six-month negotiation window, and binding arbitration if unresolved. The lottery commission is notified but not involved in disputes, which go to civil courts. The amendment addresses process issues from the lottery commission. During Q&A, he explains HCAs provide leverage beyond planning processes, are not discriminatory given gaming's regulation, and can include payments in lieu of taxes or ad costs.
HB1531 2026-0287h: Honorable Jim Rubin, Hanover Support02:02:23.040 - 10:30:44 AM; Jim Rubin supports HB 1531FN and the amendment, viewing it as a land use regulation addressing casinos' local and regional impacts like increased property taxes and externalities (e.g., social services, traffic). He contrasts state-regulated land uses with local ones, arguing casinos burden localities without mitigation mechanisms in current planning. Drawing from experience in the Senate, he notes the bill balances interests without opposing gambling, enabling communities to shift costs from taxpayers to operators. In Q&A, he affirms localized impacts justify municipal control, clarifies grandfathered properties need HCAs for renewals, and distinguishes casino externalities from those of restaurants or hotels.
HB1531 2026-0287h: Avery Seir, Ward 3 Manchester, Granite Staters for Responsible Gaming Support02:11:27.760 - 10:39:48 AM; Avery Seir, moderator for Ward 3 in Manchester and representing Granite Staters for Responsible Gaming, supports HB 1531FN for giving municipalities control over gaming operations and generating revenue. He highlights Manchester's struggles with school meal debts ($383,000 last year), road repairs, potholes, and bike lanes, arguing casino revenue via HCAs could address these without directly linking to gaming impacts. He presents letters from 300 residents and notes his election support reflects constituent desire for city revenue solutions.
HB1531 2026-0287h: Alicia Preston, New Hampshire Charitable Gaming Operators Association Oppose02:18:10.879 - 10:46:31 AM; Alicia Preston represents the New Hampshire Charitable Gaming Operators Association and opposes the bill. She argues that no other industry faces such restrictions, citing examples like sporting events and concerts. She highlights the investments made by the 14 existing facilities, which create jobs, pay significant taxes, and donate millions to charities. Preston notes that new facilities require community approval, but existing ones are grandfathered, and changing this would result in financial losses for many. She apologizes for her cold and offers to answer questions.
HB1531 2026-0287h: Amy Manzelli, Granite Staters for Responsible Gaming Support02:19:47.840 - 10:48:08 AM; Amy Manzelli, attorney from BCM Environmental and Land Law, represents Granite Staters for Responsible Gaming, a nonprofit advocating for reasonable oversight of the charitable gaming industry. She supports the bill by discussing host community agreement legislation nationwide and its practical mechanics in New Hampshire. Addressing questions, she explains that existing laws like impact fees may not suffice due to imbalances between volunteer planning boards and experienced applicants. She lists industries subject to similar agreements, including energy, cannabis, solid waste, excavation, and large groundwater facilities, arguing this is not discriminatory. Manzelli clarifies that only a summary of the agreement is made public, improving transparency. She notes regional impact statutes (RSA 36) do not intersect with this bill, and existing charitable gaming payments could form the entire agreement if desired. During questioning, she addresses imbalances in planning board expertise, the need for police consultations, applicant incentives to understate impacts, ownership changes, study commissioning (paid by applicants), lack of recourse for municipalities at license renewal, agreement survival across ownership, and examples of similar agreements in energy projects like wind turbines and transmission lines.
HB1319: Representative Diane Power, Towns of Brookline, Mason, and Greenville, Hillsborough County District 36 Support02:41:27.359 - 11:09:48 AM; As the prime sponsor, Representative Diane Power introduces HB 1319, which enables towns, village districts, and school districts to optionally establish or rescind a Local Fiscal Accountability Committee (FACTS). She emphasizes that the bill supports existing governing bodies like select boards and budget committees, which work hard under constraints, by focusing FACTS on operational efficiencies, cost savings, best practices, and transparency without cutting programs. FACTS aims to make government work smarter for taxpayer value. The legislation is optional, fostering collaboration between residents and boards to enhance trust and efficiency without mandates or interference.
HB1319: Representative [Unnamed] Information Only02:50:19.200 - 11:18:40 AM; The representative discusses the structure of the fiscal accountability committee (FACTS) modeled after cooperative school boards, explaining how membership division works even with uneven numbers.
HB1319: Representative Colby Information Only02:51:17.279 - 11:19:38 AM; Representative Colby inquires about adding a provision to limit communications from the FACTS committee to only the chair to avoid interfering with daily government operations, especially in SB2 communities with tight budget timelines.
HB1319: Bill Sponsor (Representative) Support02:52:44.080 - 11:21:05 AM; The sponsor responds that the purpose of FACTS is not to interfere but to provide organized inquiries, acknowledges potential for inefficiency if multiple members contact officials, and is open to amendments for a single point of contact.
HB1319: Representative Stevens Information Only02:53:54.000 - 11:22:15 AM; Representative Stevens seeks clarification on page four, section seven, regarding voters proposing adoption of committees and amendments to appropriations, asking if FACTS will cost the town money requiring funding.
HB1319: Bill Sponsor (Representative) Support02:55:14.319 - 11:23:35 AM; The sponsor explains that the provision clarifies any voter can propose amendments to warrant articles based on FACTS findings, similar to current annual meeting practices, and does not imply funding for FACTS itself.
HB1319: Representative Grind Information Only02:56:28.880 - 11:24:49 AM; Representative Grind questions lines 19-25 on page three about FACTS recommending changes to school or village district budgets, and whether this could confuse voters with multiple budget recommendations or add new warrant articles.
HB1319: Bill Sponsor (Representative) Support02:57:40.000 - 11:26:01 AM; The sponsor clarifies that FACTS reviews town budgets including school portions, provides information and recommendations as a second opinion on prudent spending, without authority to change budgets directly.
HB1319: Representative Majori Information Only02:59:01.600 - 11:27:22 AM; Representative Majori follows up on how MS-37 forms would reflect if a FACTS budget is adopted over the official one.
HB1319: Bill Sponsor (Representative) Support02:59:01.600 - 11:27:22 AM; The sponsor states that MS-37 reports approved spending from warrant articles passed by vote, regardless of source.
HB1319: Representative Grind Information Only03:00:20.800 - 11:28:41 AM; Representative Grind asks about forwarding the final FACTS report to the clerk's role, and on lines 18-21 about removal from office for violations, comparing to selectmen or school board removals.
HB1319: Bill Sponsor (Representative) Support03:00:20.800 - 11:28:41 AM; The sponsor explains the clerk documents for public record; removal provision is from current law for violations, not equivalent to theft, but an extreme measure.
HB1319: Eric Power, Town of Brookline Support03:02:17.200 - 11:30:38 AM; Eric Power supports HB 1319, describing FACTS as a local efficiency commission like state-level ones, elected 3-7 members to review operations, find savings in purchasing, fuels, capital planning, and provide independent budget review. He notes not all towns have budget committees and cites interest in Kensington. He addresses questions on expertise from candidates' backgrounds, advisory nature vs. governing power, election for advisory roles like finance committees, complementarity with CIP/master plans, non-duplication since not universal, conflicts addressed in bill, potential budget increases for long-term savings, ability to petition warrant articles as elected body, voter rescission option, and removal provisions similar to budget committees.
HB1066: Representative Diane Power, Towns of Brookline, Mason, and Greenville, Hillsborough County District 36 Support03:20:48.319 - 11:49:09 AM; As prime sponsor, Representative Power introduces HB 1066 to prevent misuse of equipment leases with escape clauses under RSA 377-E for long-term, high-cost commitments on fixtures like HVAC or renovations, citing examples of 15-20 year leases costing millions approved by simple majority. Key provisions: clarify lease definitions, require public hearing and 3/5 supermajority for leases over $100,000, prohibit using for fixtures, add procedures for general leases, allow capital reserve funding. Urges ought to pass for taxpayer protection and transparency. Responds to questions: leases generally more expensive than bonds (e.g., $6M extra in one case), state may use different contracts like energy performance ones.
HB1066: Timothy Donovan, Energy Efficient Investments, Merrimack, NH Oppose03:30:32.960 - 11:58:53 AM; Timothy Donovan opposes HB 1066, arguing that it undermines local control by restricting tax-exempt lease purchase agreements essential for energy performance contracting. He highlights that these contracts allow municipalities and schools to upgrade aging infrastructure without upfront costs, using energy savings for payments. Without them, communities face disrepair, school closures, higher taxes, or reliance on state aid. He urges finding the bill inexpedient to legislate and provides supporting letters from the Business and Industry Association and the National Association of Energy Services Companies.
HB1066: Eric Power, Brookline, NH Support03:36:14.640 - 12:04:35 PM; Eric Power supports HB 1066, explaining it clarifies RSA 337-E and 337-F to ensure equipment leases meet conditions like non-appropriation clauses and distinguish between equipment and fixtures. For leases over $100,000, a public hearing is required, and large leases under 337-F need a three-fifths majority vote. He argues this prevents school districts from using leases to bypass higher approval thresholds at taxpayer expense, citing the Timberlane example where a $25.2 million lease cost $6 million more than bonding. The bill closes loopholes without prohibiting leases.
HB1309: Representative Kelly Patenza, Stratford District 19 Support03:41:53.920 - 12:10:14 PM; Representative Patenza introduces and supports HB 1309, proposing an amendment to RSA 39:2 to require warrant articles to state subject matter, intent, and effect neutrally without commentary, justification, or narrative. She argues this promotes transparency and informed consent, preventing misleading language that influences voters prematurely. Drawing from New Hampshire Supreme Court cases and examples like deceptive warrant articles leading to court challenges, she emphasizes benefits like reduced confusion, litigation risks, and uniform guidance. She proposes additional language to ensure clarity without deception or ambiguity.
HB1309: Eric Power, Brookline, NH Support03:58:35.760 - 12:26:56 PM; Eric Power supports HB 1309, advocating for neutral warrant articles without commentary to allow voters independent judgment and prevent electioneering. He shares a personal example from Brookline where an amendment adding objection language was nearly allowed due to lack of statutory prohibition. He endorses the proposed amendment banning commentary and adding neutral language for guidance to governing bodies and moderators.
HB1309: Brody Duches, New Hampshire Municipal Association Oppose04:02:02.640 - 12:30:23 PM; Brody Duches opposes HB 1309, citing confusion over the proposed clause on stating intent without deception or deliberate ambiguity and its implementation. He notes existing law requires clear subject matter and that added narrative can enhance transparency, especially in SB2 towns, like explaining capital reserve expenditures don't raise taxes. He flags challenges in determining deliberate ambiguity and its limited impact on petition articles, suggesting work on amendments.
HB1369: Representative Barton (introducing for Representative Bouier) Support04:14:58.080 - 12:43:19 PM; Representative Barton introduces HB 1369 on behalf of Representative Bouier, aiming to allow posting special town meeting warrants on town websites to avoid delays from weekly newspaper circulations, as occurred in Lisbon. He supports digital updates in the modern age while being open to amendments for additional postings like in town halls.
HB1369: Brody Duches, New Hampshire Municipal Association Support04:22:08.800 - 12:50:29 PM; Brody Duches supports HB 1369, clarifying it applies to special town meetings of the legislative body, allowing warrants to be posted on town websites or in newspapers of general circulation for flexibility. He notes municipalities can exceed these by posting elsewhere and confirms additional statutory posting requirements exist.
HB1392: Brody Duches, New Hampshire Municipal Association Oppose04:26:30.880 - 12:54:51 PM; Brody Duches opposes HB 1392 as introduced, arguing it removes valuable voter information from governing body and budget committee recommendations on appropriations. He supports making it a local option but notes recommendations help voters understand support levels, especially in SB2 towns, and are crucial for tax cap calculations and petition articles.
HB1394: Representative Sweeney Support04:30:16.479 - 12:58:37 PM; Representative Sweeney supports HB 1394, based on his experience in Salem's charter adoption. The bill allows municipalities with existing charters to propose single-issue amendments changing government form (e.g., town council variations) via supermajority governing body vote and voter approval, bypassing full charter commissions. He emphasizes safeguards like supermajority thresholds and Attorney General review, applying only to chartered towns for flexibility without altering broader structures.
HB1394: Committee Chair Information Only05:04:07.520 - 1:32:28 PM; The chair explains the process of scheduling bills, noting that they spend days analyzing bills and creating schedules with input from the committee researcher on similar past bills and time estimates. They emphasize that scheduling is not random but considers various factors. The chair mentions planning for 81 bills and expecting to be there all day, having conducted hearings and executive sessions, though no execs occurred last Friday or today for good reasons. They note the inability to predict public turnout and urges planning to stay until 4 or 5 PM. With no further questions, the chair adjourns the meeting.

Pauer, Diane(Chairman)(R)[A]2025	Bjelobrk, Marie Louise(Clerk)(R)[B+]2025	MacDonald, John(V Chairman)(R)[B+]2025
Germana, Dylan(D)[D-]2025	Fracht, David(D)[D-]2025	Guthrie, Joseph(R)[C]2025
Gilman, Julie(D)[D-]2025	Grund, Stephanie(D)[F]2025	Stavis, Laurel(D)[CT]2025
Karasinski, Sly(R)[B]2025	Maggiore, Jim(D)[CT]2025	Dolan, Tom(R)[B]2025
Aylward, Deborah(R)[B+]2025	Walker, David(R)[B+]2025	Colby, Eleana (D)[F]2025
Girard, Dale(D)[C-]2025	Franz, Linda(R)[B]2025	Murphy, Denis(R)[B+]2025