NH
New Hampshire Senate Bill SB448

New Hampshire 2024 Regular Session

New Hampshire Senate Bill SB448

Introduced
12/13/23  
Refer
12/13/23  
Report Pass
3/28/24  
Report Pass
4/5/24  
Engrossed
4/12/24  
Refer
4/12/24  

Caption

Relative to the Woodsville fire district.

Impact

One significant aspect of the bill is its impact on fiscal management within the district. It establishes a formula for funding that utilizes part of the State highway block grant allocated to the Town of Haverhill. This change is expected to enable the Woodsville Fire District to utilize resources more effectively and may lead to a redistribution of existing revenues. The fiscal note indicates that local revenue impacts are indeterminable, and while the anticipated changes are unlikely to take effect until after the 2024 fiscal year, they promise transformative resource allocation for local public safety services.

Summary

SB448 is an act that alters the operational and funding structure of the Woodsville Fire District by establishing it as a village district governed by RSA chapter 52. This bill assigns it the same rights, duties, and obligations of a village district, which aims to streamline governance and operational protocols for the fire district. Importantly, the measure modifies how appropriations for the Woodsville Fire District will be determined, moving towards a system where funding is directed by the warrant articles voted on by district residents during annual meetings.

Contention

As the bill moves forward, there may be contention regarding the distribution of responsibilities and funding between the Woodsville Fire District and the Town of Haverhill. Critics might raise concerns over the potential burden on district residents who may have to shoulder a larger share of the fire protection and road maintenance costs. Moreover, the mechanism of giving the district the authority to determine road and fire service spending via local votes could lead to debates on prioritization of community needs and financial sustainability of services.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH HB349

Relative to a special purpose school district for Bridgewater, Hebron, and Groton.

NH HB576

Relative to administration of a commercial property assessed clean energy (C-PACE) program in a clean energy efficiency and clean energy district.

NH HB59

Requiring a background check prior to any commercial firearm sale.

NH SB1

Relative to the closing of the Sununu youth services center, making appropriations thereof, and establishing a commission to study community impacts of the secured youth development center.

NH SB104

To regulate online gambling and direct net proceeds to a community college education scholarship fund.

NH SB202

Relative to establishing a homeownership innovations fund in the New Hampshire housing finance authority.

NH SB156

Relative to voter registration and verification of voter identity.

NH SB204

Requiring trauma kits to be available in state-owned buildings.

NH HB32

Relative to possession or discharge of a firearm in a safe school zone.

NH SB54

Relative to purchased power agreements for electric distribution utilities.

Similar Bills

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AL SJR84

SkillsUSA State Competition Competitors, commended

AL HJR298

SkillsUSA State Competition Competitors, commended

NH SB200

Apportioning congressional districts.

MA H1739

Relative to the designation of jury clerk in the Haverhill District Court

MA S2538

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MA S1107

Relative to the designation of Jury Clerk in the Haverhill District Court

MA H4204

Providing for the election of candidates in the city of Haverhill