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Debate over HB1610: sponsors seek annual voter reauthorization for spending reserves; School Boards Association opposes
Summary
Rep. Dan Magcguire said HB1610 would require annual voter reauthorization to spend unassigned fund balances and limit contingency spending to emergencies with external approvals; the New Hampshire School Boards Association opposed the measure, saying the 2020 law increased local voter control and that strict emergency-only rules could force service cuts when districts face foreseeable but non-emergency costs (insurance, fuel).
Representative Dan Magcguire introduced House Bill 1610 as a change to RSA 198:4-b, explaining the bill would (1) require a specific annual vote authorizing a district to retain and spend unassigned fund balance rather than allow an indefinite authorization; (2) constrain spending of unassigned balances to emergencies and require outside approvals (budget committee, commissioner of education) under RSA 32:11; and (3) change the retention limit from 5% (of net assessment) to 3% of total budget. Magcguire said the measure aims to prevent long-term obligations created by one-time…
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