Committee Summary for Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (03/24/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1161 -	Public Hearing	removing the requirement for municipalities to have an advisory board for development districts.	Hicks, Matthew(D)[D-]2025
HB1031 1252 00:09:01.016 - 8:22:33 AM	Executive Session	enabling candidates for state office to use campaign funds to pay for security measures.	Thomas, Wendy(D)[CT]2025
HB1505 00:09:01.016 - 8:22:33 AM	Public Hearing	requiring municipalities, towns, and cities to submit documentation to the department of revenue administration proving they are in compliance with local budget and tax caps.	Pauer, Diane(R)[A]2025
HB1066 00:39:01.016 - 8:52:33 AM	Public Hearing	relative to warrant articles authorizing lease agreements.	Pauer, Diane(R)[A]2025
HB1113 House amendment 01:20:00.000 - 9:33:32 AM	Public Hearing	enabling towns to establish a 3-year term for town moderators.	Murphy, Denis(R)[B+]2025
HB1137 01:24:01.016 - 9:37:33 AM	Public Hearing	relative to municipal budget committee membership.	Pauer, Diane(R)[A]2025
HB1274 01:33:00.000 - 9:46:32 AM	Public Hearing	relative to dog licenses.	Dargie, Paul(D)[F]2025
HB1274 01:36:00.000 - 9:49:32 AM	Executive Session	relative to dog licenses.	Dargie, Paul(D)[F]2025
HB1161 01:40:00.000 - 9:53:32 AM	Executive Session	removing the requirement for municipalities to have an advisory board for development districts.	Hicks, Matthew(D)[D-]2025
HB1066 01:42:00.000 - 9:55:32 AM	Executive Session	relative to warrant articles authorizing lease agreements.	Pauer, Diane(R)[A]2025
HB1113 House amendment 01:45:00.000 - 9:58:32 AM	Executive Session	enabling towns to establish a 3-year term for town moderators.	Murphy, Denis(R)[B+]2025
HB1505 01:47:00.000 - 10:00:32 AM	Executive Session	requiring municipalities, towns, and cities to submit documentation to the department of revenue administration proving they are in compliance with local budget and tax caps.	Pauer, Diane(R)[A]2025

HB1031 1252: Vice Chair Vote00:09:01.016 - 8:22:33 AM; Introduced amendment 1252 to add training for security measures purchased with campaign funds. Motion to pass the bill as amended. Amendment passed unanimously. Bill passed unanimously on consent calendar.
HB1505: Representative Diane Power, Brookline, Mason, Greenville Support00:09:01.016 - 8:22:33 AM; As prime sponsor and chair of House Municipal and County Government Committee, introduced HB 1505 as a procedural bill to ensure consistent application of voter-adopted tax and budget caps. Highlighted key provisions: standardized annual submissions to DRA including cap calculations, proposed and final appropriations, and override votes; aligns with DRA's role in setting tax rates; clarifies adjustments for non-compliance. Noted one-time $75,000 cost to DRA and negligible local costs. Emphasized reinforcement of local control and proper application of existing law. Responded to questions on enforcement, problems with current non-compliance, and interpretation of enforcement language.
HB1505: Eric Power, Brookline, President of School District Governance Association Support00:24:01.016 - 8:37:33 AM; Testified in support, noting seven towns and two school districts with caps, increasing confusion and inconsistent application without DRA oversight. Provided examples from Brookline School District, Milton, and Newfound Regional School District showing errors in cap calculations and overrides. Explained how caps accumulate by order of passage and need for three-fifths overrides. Stressed bill would provide uniform enforcement, clarify language, and ensure compliance without disallowing proper overrides. Offered to assist with amendments.
HB1505: Aubrey Friedman, Bridgewater Support00:24:01.016 - 8:37:33 AM; Supported the bill for providing enforcement mechanism to existing laws, increasing public confidence, and ensuring voter wishes on tax caps are followed. Discounted DRA's prior testimony on no problems due to lack of data. Justified $75,000 cost by potential taxpayer savings from preventing errors in future warrant articles.
HB1505: Jennifer Ramsey and Bruce Knorr, Department of Revenue Administration Information Only00:39:01.016 - 8:52:33 AM; Jennifer Ramsey, Tax Policy Counsel, and Bruce Knorr, head of Municipal Bureau, addressed questions on enforcement language, suggesting addition to clarify no reduction of budgets if overrides are proper. Confirmed accustomed to reviewing appropriations and would handle added role. Noted municipalities must submit cap details including votes.
HB1066: Representative Diane Power, Brookline, Mason, Greenville Support00:39:01.016 - 8:52:33 AM; As prime sponsor, introduced HB 1066-FN to limit RSA 33-7-E to true equipment leases (e.g., vehicles, uninstalled equipment) and create RSA 33-7-F for general leases including installed fixtures. Provided examples of misused long-term leases for facility improvements approved by simple majority. Key provisions: clarifies definitions; requires public hearing for leases over $500,000; simple majority for under $500,000 or equipment leases, three-fifths for larger general leases; allows capital reserve funds. Stated bill ensures transparency and proper voter approval for long-term obligations without prohibiting leases or energy projects.
HB1066: Representative Julie Miles, Merrimack Oppose00:39:01.016 - 8:52:33 AM; Opposed HB 1066 for impacting local economies and small businesses by reducing flexibility in capital projects. Argued rigid criteria favor larger firms, reduce competition, increase costs, and delay infrastructure responses. Emphasized existing local transparency and urged inexpedient to legislate.
HB1066: Jack Sapia, Timberlane Regional School Board Oppose00:39:01.016 - 8:52:33 AM; Opposed on personal behalf, sharing experience with district's infrastructure needs and fiscal constraints. Explained leasing enabled $25 million in critical improvements with majority vote, avoiding bonding's burdens and supermajority requirements. Noted benefits to safety, learning environments, and efficiencies. Urged allowing local decisions to make it easier for constituents.
HB1066: Catherine Cusack, Clean Energy New Hampshire Oppose00:39:01.016 - 8:52:33 AM; Representing nonprofit with businesses, municipalities, and individuals, opposed restrictions on leasing for building improvements, forcing reliance on bonding. Noted similar bill HB 1187 vetoed in 2024.
HB1066: Clean Energy New Hampshire representative Oppose00:54:01.016 - 9:07:33 AM; The speaker highlighted that House Bill 327, a similar bill, failed last year, and Governor Sununu vetoed it, warning it would prohibit beneficial municipal lease practices for infrastructure and energy improvements. Leases require public approval and help preserve bonding capacity. The bill restricts local decision-making, risks project delays, and eliminates zero-impact spending via energy savings. It repeals rejected policy and recommends voting inexpedient to legislate.
HB1066: Eric Power, Brookline Support00:57:00.000 - 9:10:32 AM; Eric Power, former school board member in Hollis-Brookline Cooperative School District, supports the bill. It categorizes leases into RSA 337-E for returnable equipment (simple majority) and new RSA 337-F for energy/fixture leases over $500,000 (higher approval). Current use of escape clauses for large renovations is impractical and costly (20-24% premium over bonds). The bill equalizes approval for bonds and leases, promoting decisions based on financial merit, saving taxpayer dollars without prohibiting leases.
HB1066: Mike Skelton, Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire Oppose01:00:00.000 - 9:13:32 AM; Mike Skelton, President and CEO of BIA, opposes the bill, as do previous iterations. It impacts communities' use of leasing tools and the industry providing projects, jobs, and investments. No evidence of a compelling problem requiring intervention; communities can voice concerns legally or at the ballot. Unintended consequences would negatively affect locals.
HB1066: Brody Deshaies, New Hampshire Municipal Association Oppose01:03:00.000 - 9:16:32 AM; Brody Deshaies opposes HB 1066, similar to HB 1147 (ITL in House), a tabled bill last year, and a vetoed proposal. Narrower scope impacts leases over $500,000, exempts cities from Section 8 but creates issues for equipment/fixture leases. Leasing fixtures can save money via flexibility (interest only on drawn funds, early payoff). Nonappropriation leases aren't debt but bill treats them as loans, mirroring bond processes. Flags potential clerical error for cities. Section 7 prohibits, Section 8 processes others; concerns on city processes. In high interest environments, flexibility saves money.
HB1066: Unnamed speaker Support01:09:01.016 - 9:22:33 AM; The speaker supports the bill, emphasizing that voters should decide, and the 60% bar requirement is important for larger leases, ensuring proper oversight.
HB1066: Natasha Shaw, National Association of Energy Service Companies Oppose01:11:00.000 - 9:24:32 AM; Natasha Shaw opposes HB 1066. NASECO represents energy service companies delivering $7B in savings yearly, $70B in infrastructure over two decades. States are expanding energy performance contracting for aging infrastructure and costs, not restricting. The bill retreats from innovation, disadvantages NH competitively, narrows local options. Effective policies preserve flexibility and local control for performance-based solutions. No similar legislation elsewhere.
HB1066: Michael Davies, Energy Efficient Investments, Merrimack Oppose01:14:00.000 - 9:27:32 AM; Michael Davies, owner employing 70 in Merrimack, opposes. Schools need improvements without tax hikes; leasing fits operating budgets, paid by savings. Flexible like mortgages, allows extra payments. Cities like Manchester use bonding for major projects, leasing for others. Escape clauses work, e.g., Newfound School District closing school. Bill would make NH unique in banning; other states/federal expand flexible systems.
HB1066: Laurie Lane, Superintendent, Rollinsford School District Oppose01:17:00.000 - 9:30:32 AM; Laurie Lane opposes HB 1066, as in prior similar bills. Questions need to limit local funding choices amid school aid moratorium. Leases fund HVAC, lighting, boilers via simple majority with public notice, hearings, deliberative session, voting. Bill adds unnecessary steps (hearings already exist), imposes 3/5 majority unlike budgets/CBAs. Current law ensures input; amended language redundant. Challenges managing aging buildings; opposes limiting tools.
HB1113 House amendment: Dennis B. Murphy II, Town Moderator, Winchester Support01:20:00.000 - 9:33:32 AM; Dennis B. Murphy II, seventh-term moderator and Rep. Cheshire 11, introduces HB 1113 with OTPA, enabling three-year moderator terms. Current two-year term misaligns with three/six-year terms for others (selectmen, clerks, etc.). Limits duties every other year due to ballot handling conflicts. Would stagger elections, avoid overlaps with clerks, ensure continuity (e.g., school moderator, clerk, town moderator yearly). Allows full duties 2/3 time vs. 1/2; recommends ought to pass.
HB1113 House amendment: Brody Deshaies, New Hampshire Municipal Association Support01:22:00.000 - 9:35:32 AM; Brody Deshaies supports HB 1113 as House-amended. Allows municipalities to adopt three-year moderator terms with legislative body approval, mirroring optional terms for clerks/tax collectors. Supervisors of the checklist can have three/six years.
HB1137: Unnamed sponsor Support01:24:01.016 - 9:37:33 AM; The sponsor supports HB 1137, noting the framework mirrors 2025 HB 394 (law) for co-op school district budget committees, making appointed school board members ex officio non-voting. Extends to municipal budget committees: removes vote but not voice, defines as non-voting for clarity. Promotes consistency, transparency, public confidence; recommends ought to pass.
HB1137: Sean Jasper, Hudson Oppose01:27:00.000 - 9:40:32 AM; Sean Jasper opposes in personal capacity. RSA 32 since 1939 works well; served 13 years budget committee, 17 selectman, 20+ total. Ex officio non-voting reduces attendance incentive, worsens quorums (removes two voting members). No collusion evidence; boards differ. Passed House narrowly; no need to change 90-year system. In Hudson, value in voting members for interaction. Quorum issues critical; seen value over decades.
HB1137: Brody Deshaies, New Hampshire Municipal Association Oppose01:30:00.000 - 9:43:32 AM; Brody Deshaies opposes HB 1137. Makes appointed select board members ex officio non-voting, but they are full members with rights. Prevents voting despite quorum/participation expectations. Budget process fluid; governing body needs say in changes November-January. Differs from co-op districts (multi-town). Local voters elect reps; if unhappy, elect new. Distributes Hudson opposition testimony.
HB1274: Peter Bixby, Rep. Strafford 13, Dover Support01:33:00.000 - 9:46:32 AM; Peter Bixby explains HB 1274 corrects error in prior bill transferring 25 cents from spay/neuter to veterinary diagnostic lab fund, inadvertently reducing municipal dog fund share. RSA chapter convoluted; fixes five statutes plus one for lab. Senate tried amending last year but needed separate hearing; brought back this year. Requests correction.
HB1274: Dan Healy, New Hampshire City and Town Clerks Association Support01:35:00.000 - 9:48:32 AM; Dan Healy supports as cleanup; prior passage shifted fees inadvertently, now restores to prior levels (25 cents less per license than shifted). Clerks requested bill to correct.
HB1274: Committee Vote01:36:00.000 - 9:49:32 AM; Motion for Ought to Pass (OTP) on HB 1274, seconded, passed by aye votes, no nays. Placed on consent calendar, passed.
HB1161: Senator Lang Support01:40:00.000 - 9:53:32 AM; Senator Lang moves Ought to Pass (OTP) as it changes 'shall' to 'may', giving local discretion instead of mandating. Seconded, passed by aye votes, no nays. On consent, passed.
HB1066: Senator Perkins-Coelker Oppose01:42:00.000 - 9:55:32 AM; Senator Perkins-Coelker moves Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), citing testimony tying municipal hands, potential higher taxpayer costs, remedies at ballot. Withdraws to discuss with sponsor for modifications addressing extra meetings, performance leases over $500,000, voter trust.
HB1066: Senator Lang Information Only01:43:00.000 - 9:56:32 AM; Senator Lang expresses concerns on extra meetings (already in budget process), performance leases, limiting voter decisions over $500,000.
HB1113 House amendment: Committee Vote01:45:00.000 - 9:58:32 AM; Discussion notes permissive for towns, Secretary of State neutral. Motion for Ought to Pass (OTP), seconded, passed by aye votes, no nays. On consent, passed.
HB1113 House amendment: Dennis B. Murphy II Information Only01:46:00.000 - 9:59:32 AM; Self-serving as moderator, saves one election every six years.
HB1505: Senator Lang Information Only01:47:00.000 - 10:00:32 AM; Concerns on enforcement actions; suggests DRA report on caps, expenditures, exceedances. Anecdotal issues but no AG action. Prefers local reports at town meetings over DRA hammer. Prime sponsor to discuss.

Gray, James(Chairman)(R)[B-]2025	Lang, Timothy(V Chairman)(R)[B-]2025	Perkins Kwoka, Rebecca(D)[F]2025
Rochefort, David(R)[B-]2025	Long, Pat(D)[F]2025