HB 1392 · 2026 · House · Municipal and County Government Committee
Removing warrant article recommendations
AI-generatedremoving the ability of the governing body or budget committee to give a written recommendation about a warrant article on the ballot.
Removes the ability of a governing body or budget committee to issue a written recommendation on a warrant article appearing on the ballot.AI-generated
Status
Killed in the House — Inexpedient to Legislate · March 5, 2026- ✓Introduced
- ✕House
- Senate
- Governor
- Law
Analysis
This bill removes the ability of the governing body or budget committee to give a written recommendation about a warrant article on the ballot.
From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.
In the bill's words
Quoted verbatim from the bill as introduced. Passages chosen from the operative text.Computed by this site
“The article shall contain a notation of whether or not that appropriation is recommended by the governing body, and, if there is a budget committee, a notation of whether or not it is recommended by the budget committee;”
“Defects or deficiencies in these notations shall not affect the legal validity of any appropriation otherwise lawfully made; and (d) All] all appropriations made under special warrant articles shall be subject to the hearing requirements of paragraphs I and II of this section.”
Official record
gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source
Sponsors
- Rep. Ross BerryRChair· Election Law
- Rep. Brian LabrieRClerk· Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services
- Rep. Lisa MazurRVice Chair· Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs
- Rep. Tom MannionRAssistant Majority Whip
- Sen. Keith MurphyRDeputy President Pro Tempore
Also: Rep. Michael GrangerR, Rep. Kelley PotenzaR, Rep. Samuel FarringtonR
Public testimony
35 signed in online · 7 wrote testimony
17% support83% oppose0% neutral
In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted
“The existing law needs to remain, as is. It is very important to include the vote (an opinion) of the appropriate governing body/ budget committee. It contributes to a more informed electorate.”
“Writing as an enthusiastic participant in town meeting, a town Conservation Commissioner, and appointee to the town ZBA, I need to know in writing and in real time, the impact of a warrant article on our town. I rely on the Select Board’s opinion for guidance.…”
“Removing recommendations reduces transparency and makes it harder for voters to make informed decisions about local governance and tax measures.”
Verbatim excerpts of submitted testimony, quoted from the testimony tool.
Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026
Votes
yeanay- Feb 17, 2026HouseCommittee report· consent calendar: Inexpedient to Legislate17–0Overall100% yea
- Mar 5, 2026HouseVoice voteInexpedient to Legislateadopted
Hearings and debates
- Jan 27, 2026Public hearingHouse Municipal and County Government4:24:53–4:30:185m 25slocated in the stream transcriptPublic Hearing
- Feb 17, 2026Public hearingHouse Municipal and County Government1:29:36–1:32:523m 16slocated in the stream transcriptCommittee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate; Executive Session
- Mar 5, 2026Floor debateHouse floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamInexpedient to Legislate — adopted, voice vote
Timestamps locate where this bill is taken up in the chamber's YouTube stream.
Legislative history
- Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Municipal and County Government HJ 1 P. 18
- Jan 27, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 01/27/2026 11:40 am GP 154
- Feb 17, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 02/17/2026 09:00 am GP 154
- Feb 17, 2026House: Inexpedient to Legislate 02/17/2026 (Vote 17-0; CC) HC 9 P. 23
- Mar 5, 2026HouseInexpedient to Legislate: MA VV 03/05/2026 HJ 6 P. 29
Coverage
No reporting linked yet.
Documents (PDF)
Bill text & amendments link direct to gc.nh.gov; committee reports stream from the state record.