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NH committee hears contentious proposal to move local tax‑cap questions to November ballots
Summary
A non‑germane amendment to HB 1,300 would send local property tax‑cap questions to the statewide November ballot every two years, drawing debate about local control, fiscal impacts and legal thresholds. Supporters say higher turnout will reflect voters’ will; opponents warn of unintended harm to schools and municipal services.
CONCORD — A proposed non‑germane amendment to House Bill 1,300 that would place property‑tax cap questions on the November ballot for towns, cities and school districts drew hours of questioning and broad public testimony Wednesday before the House Election Law Committee.
Representative Berry, who introduced the amendment, said the measure is aimed at shifting decisions from low‑turnout town meetings into higher‑turnout general elections so “we can actually find out what the voters want.” He told the committee, “We have a huge problem in New Hampshire where property taxes are out of control,” and described a framework in which a yes vote would place a two‑year tax‑cap tied to inflation and new growth on a locality’s revenue stream while excluding capital projects and allowing limited bonding for long‑lived assets.
Supporters argued the change would protect taxpayers who are being “taxed out of their homes,” while preserving local choice by letting each locality opt in…
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