New HampshireTown and school spending votes would need 15% turnout
The proposal, which died when the 2026 session ended, would have required at least 15% turnout and a majority “Yes” vote for town and school district spending measures.
What it does
Towns and school districts using official ballot meetings would have needed at least 15% of registered voters to cast ballots on budgets and other spending measures, with a majority of those voting saying “Yes.” The proposal died when the 2026 session ended.
Argument forA 15% turnout rule could ensure that a budget or other spending measure passes only after a minimum number of registered voters weigh in.
Argument againstA budget or other spending measure might fail even if most voters who cast ballots support it, when turnout is below 15%.
More detail
The proposal would have required at least 15% of registered voters to cast ballots, with a majority of those voting saying “Yes,” for certain spending measures to pass. It would have applied to operating budgets and other appropriations put to a vote in towns and school districts using the official ballot referendum form of meeting. The proposal died when the 2026 session ended and did not take effect. If passed, the act would have taken effect 60 days after passage.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Died on table
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Aug 19Died on Table, Session ended 08/19/2026 HJ 16Died on table
- Mar 11Lay HB1418 on Table (Rep. Berry): MA VV 03/11/2026 HJ 7 P. 161Minor
- Mar 4Minority Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate
- Mar 4Majority Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0971h 03/03/2026 (Vote 9-8; RC) HC 10 P. 43Minor
- Feb 18Executive Session: 03/03/2026 10:00 am GP 158
- Feb 12Public Hearing: 02/17/2026 11:40 am GP 158
- 2025
- Dec 4Introduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Election Law HJ 1 P. 19Introduced
Civil Rights & Voting