Citizen in a RepublicNH Bill Briefing
← All bills

HB 1369 · 2026 · House · Municipal and County Government Committee

Posting requirements for town meeting warrants

AI-generated

(New Title) relative to the manner of posting the warrant for town meetings.

Amends the requirements for posting warrants for town meetings, including special town meetings.AI-generated

Status

Vetoed by the governor — the override vote has not been held yet · June 24, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✓House
  3. ✓Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Governor's veto message

“Town meetings are where some of the most important decisions that affect Granite Staters' daily lives are made and play a critical role in ensuring local community voices are heard. The public posting of town meetings notices in print is an important part of notice to ensure participation in the decision-making process. Allowing municipalities to only post these notices online or at the place of the meeting but otherwise not in a printed publication can limit public participation. That is a step in the wrong direction for New Hampshire. For these reasons, I have vetoed HB 1369.”
— Gov. Kelly Ayotte · Jun 19, 2026 · excerpt
Governor's press release

A passage from the Governor's veto message, quoted verbatim. The full message enters the record on veto day.

Analysis

This bill allows the warrant for a special town meeting to be posted on the town's website in lieu of in a newspaper of general circulation.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

In the bill's words

Quoted verbatim from the bill as passed by both chambers.

“The selectmen shall post the warrant for a special meeting using at least 2 of the 3 following methods:”
RSA 39:4, I

It sets a new minimum of two of three posting methods for special town meeting warrants.AI-generated

“Posted on the town's Internet website, if such exists, at least 14 days before the meeting.”
RSA 39:4, I(c)

It adds online posting as an authorized method of warning a special meeting.AI-generated

“If the warrant for a special meeting is posted on the town’s Internet website, it shall appear prominently on the website's home page, or a link directly to the notice shall appear prominently on the home page.”
RSA 39:4, II

When posted online, the warrant or a link to it must appear prominently on the town website's home page.AI-generated

“The 14 days shall not include the day of posting nor the day of the meeting, but shall include any Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays within the said period.”
RSA 39:5, I

It specifies how the 14-day posting period is counted, including weekends and holidays.AI-generated

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Calvin BeaulierRPrime
  • Rep. Ross BerryRChair· Election Law

Also: Rep. Joseph BartonR

Public testimony

9 signed in online · 4 wrote testimony

67% support33% oppose0% neutral

ForProper posting keeps residents informed

AgainstOpposition to charging fees for bicycle use

AI-generatedLeading arguments, summarized by the testimony tool.

Read the arguments

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“Proper posting ensures residents are informed and can participate fully in local governance.”
— Hannah Meiselman, Machestersupports
“I fully support this bill and believe it will be strengthened by adding language about for how long something must be posted on the website.…”
— Stephanie Vazzano, Concordsupports
“My name is Sherly Harianto, and I am submitting this testimony in strong support of the House bill that would allow the public to access important town documents—such as warrants, notices, and other municipal records—electronically.…”
— Sherly Harianto, Manchestersupports
“A lot of people use bikes for recreational and joy and to teach their children how to ride. I dont think it would be fair to charge to have them on trails, ect.…”
— Shavon Farley, Lebanonopposes

Verbatim excerpts of submitted testimony, quoted from the testimony tool.

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings and debates

Timestamps locate where this bill is taken up in the chamber's YouTube stream.

Votes

yeanay
Starting text: Bill as introduced

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Municipal and County Government HJ 1 P. 17
  2. Jan 27, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 01/27/2026 11:30 am GP 154
  3. Feb 17, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 02/17/2026 09:00 am GP 154
  4. Feb 17, 2026HouseCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0321h 02/17/2026 (Vote 17-0; CC) HC 9 P. 22
  5. Mar 5, 2026HouseAmendment # 2026-0321h: AA VV 03/05/2026 HJ 6 P. 28
  6. Mar 5, 2026HouseOught to Pass with Amendment 2026-0321h: MA VV 03/05/2026 HJ 6 P. 28
  7. Mar 5, 2026SenIntroduced 03/05/2026 and Referred to Election Law and Municipal Affairs; SJ 6
  8. Mar 18, 2026SenHearing: 03/18/2026, Room 103, SH, 01:30 pm; SC 10
  9. Apr 16, 2026Sen: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1323s, 04/16/2026; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 14
  10. Apr 16, 2026SenCommittee Amendment # 2026-1323s, AA, VV; 04/16/2026; SJ 9
  11. Apr 16, 2026SenOught to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1323s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 04/16/2026; SJ 9
  12. May 7, 2026HouseHouse Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1323s (Rep. Pauer): MA VV 05/07/2026 HJ 12 P. 5
  13. Jun 4, 2026SenEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/04/2026); SJ 14
  14. Jun 4, 2026HouseEnrolled (in recess of) 06/04/2026 HJ 15
  15. Jun 19, 2026HouseVetoed by Governor Ayotte 06/19/2026

Coverage

  • HB 1369 (2026) | NH LegislationCitizens Count

    HB 1369 would let towns satisfy warrant-posting requirements by posting on the town website in addition to newspaper publication.AI-generated

Background reading

Evergreen reading on the policy area — spanning perspectives — not coverage of this specific bill.

Documents (PDF)

Bill text & amendments link direct to gc.nh.gov; committee reports stream from the state record.