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SB 643 · 2026 · Senate · Election Law and Municipal Affairs Committee

Municipal tax cap compliance rules

AI-generated

(Second New Title) requiring municipalities, towns, and cities to submit documentation to the department of revenue administration proving they are in compliance with local budget and tax caps and requiring municipalities to hold a public hearing and conduct a roll call vote when seeking to override a tax or spending cap.

Requires municipalities to submit documentation to the department of revenue administration demonstrating compliance with local budget and tax caps, and requires a public hearing and roll call vote, reported on property tax bills, when seeking to override such a cap.AI-generated

Status

Died — the House and Senate did not agree · May 21, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✕Senate
  3. House
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Analysis

This bill requires cities and towns to hold a public hearing and conduct a roll call vote when seeking to override a tax or spending cap.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Sen. Kevin AvardRPrimeDeputy Majority Whip
  • Sen. Timothy LangRVice Chair· Election Law and Municipal Affairs
  • Sen. Keith MurphyRDeputy President Pro Tempore
  • Sen. Victoria SullivanRVice Chair· Education
  • Rep. Liz BarbourRVice Chair· Environment and Agriculture

Also: Rep. John SellersR

Public testimony

92 signed in online · 7 wrote testimony

13% support87% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“The public needs to have a stronger voice with regards to tax cap overrides”
— Cory Stone, DOVERsupports
“This bill is another attempt to add chaos to local government proceedings. It would interfere with the balance that small New Hampshire towns have operated under for generations. Respectfully, Rep. Janet Lucas Grafton Co. District 7”
— Janet Lucas, Camptonopposes
“One parent should not decide for all kids what they are or are not allowed to read.”
— Debra Merrick, Atkinsonopposes
“I oppose SB 643 because it is a direct assault on the tradition of local control in New Hampshire. By restricting how towns can fund their own essential services, this bill strips power away from the voters who actually live in the community and understand its unique needs.…”
— Kathleen Malsbenden, Newmarketopposes

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

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings

  • 2026-01-279:00 amSenate Election Law and Municipal AffairsSH 122-123Public hearing
  • 2026-04-0710:00 amHouse Municipal and County GovernmentGP 154Public hearing
  • 2026-05-0510:30 amHouse Municipal and County GovernmentGP 154Public hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026SenIntroduced 01/07/2026 and Referred to Election Law and Municipal Affairs; SJ 1
  2. Jan 27, 2026SenHearing: 01/27/2026, Room 122-123, SH, 09:30 am; SC 3
  3. Mar 5, 2026Sen: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0781s, 03/05/2026; Vote 3-2; CC; SC 8
  4. Mar 5, 2026SenSB 643 was Removed from the Consent Calendar; 03/05/2026; SJ 5
  5. Mar 5, 2026SenCommittee Amendment # 2026-0781s, AF, VV; 03/05/2026; SJ 5
  6. Mar 5, 2026SenSen. Lang Floor Amendment # 2026-0958s, AA, VV; 03/05/2026; SJ 5
  7. Mar 5, 2026SenOught to Pass with Amendment #2026-0958s, RC 16Y-8N, MA; OT3rdg; 03/05/2026; SJ 5
  8. Mar 12, 2026HouseIntroduced (in recess of) 03/12/2026 and referred to Municipal and County Government HJ 8 P. 114
  9. Apr 7, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 04/07/2026 11:00 am GP 154
  10. May 5, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 05/05/2026 10:30 am GP 154
  11. May 5, 2026HouseMajority : Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1812h 05/05/2026 (Vote 11-9; RC) HC 19 P. 28
  12. May 6, 2026HouseMinority : Inexpedient to Legislate
  13. May 14, 2026HouseAmendment # 2026-1812h (NT): AA VV 05/14/2026 HJ 13 P. 115
  14. May 14, 2026HouseOught to Pass with Amendment 2026-1812h: MA RC 164-150 05/14/2026 HJ 13 P. 118
  15. May 21, 2026SenSen. Gray Moved Nonconcur with the House Amendment, MA, VV; 05/21/2026; SJ 13

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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