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Senator seeks 30‑day notice and roll‑call votes for local tax‑cap overrides
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Summary
SB 643 would require cities and towns that seek to override local tax or spending caps to post 30 days' notice, hold a public hearing of at least 60 minutes, and record a roll‑call vote so taxpayers can see who supported the change.
Senator Kevin Avar told the committee SB 643 aims to add transparency and accountability when municipalities consider overriding local tax or spending caps. The bill would require at least a 30‑day public notice before a vote, a public hearing of at least 60 minutes for public comment, and a recorded roll‑call vote that could be published for taxpayers to see.
Avar said the measure preserves local authority to override caps but helps ensure voters have information and time to participate. Committee members and municipal witnesses questioned whether parts of the bill duplicated existing requirements in RSA 91‑A (open meetings law), how many municipalities would be affected, and technical feasibility — notably whether standard municipal finance software could easily add roll‑call data to printed tax bills. The New Hampshire Municipal Association expressed concerns about cost and implementation, and remote testimony showed far more submissions opposed than in support.
The committee did not adopt any amendments during the hearing and closed the public hearing after receiving both in‑room and remote testimony.
