Municipal and County Government

HB 1105 changes the term length for certain Belknap County elected officials (including county attorney, sheriff, treasurer, register of deeds, and register of probate) from two years to four years. It directly affects voters in Belknap County and those officials by altering when they are elected, effective starting with the 2026 general election. The bill amends existing state law to specify that Belknap County voters will elect these officials for four-year terms instead of two-year terms.

SB 439 allows municipalities to regulate data centers within commercial and industrial zoning districts. It defines "data center" as facilities primarily for digital data storage, processing, and transmission (excluding small, owner-occupied facilities under 25% of building space). Municipalities can establish local rules for these centers through their planning boards, with approval from the local legislative body. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage.

SB 440 modifies how New Hampshire municipalities can create energy-efficient and clean energy districts. It requires towns without charters (and village districts) to hold at least one public hearing before adopting such districts, with specific notice rules: 10-day advance notice posted in two public locations (including the municipality's website), detailing district boundaries and proposals. The bill also allows 50 registered voters to petition for a town meeting vote on district adoption. These changes streamline the process while adding transparency and community input requirements, directly affecting local governments seeking to establish district-based energy initiatives.

SB 585 allows communications districts in New Hampshire to skip mandatory independent audits if they meet specific revenue thresholds. It directly affects small communications districts with annual revenue under $50,000 or under $2 million that aren't tax authorities (cannot raise funds from municipalities except via voluntary contributions or contracts). The bill requires districts to petition the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) to waive audits, which the DRA must grant if the revenue criteria are met. This change reduces administrative costs for qualifying districts without altering audit requirements for larger entities. The DRA confirmed this would save local governments money but impose no new costs on state agencies.

SB 643 requires cities and towns to hold a public hearing with at least 30 days' notice and a 60-minute public comment period before voting to override a local tax or spending cap. It mandates a roll call vote for the override, recording each council member's vote, and requires publishing the results (including each member's name and vote) on the next property tax bill. This bill does not change existing requirements for supermajority votes or voter approval to override caps but adds transparency measures to inform taxpayers about how officials vote on tax increases. The law directly affects municipalities seeking to raise taxes or spending above locally adopted limits.