HB1344

For the record I am Rep. Joe Sweeney, and I am the prime sponsor of this bill. This legislation is straightforward. It authorizes two or more contiguous municipalities, by their own choice and by vote of their own legislative bodies, to enter into a compact to jointly provide municipal services. Nothing more. Nothing less. At its core, this bill is about local control, efficiency, and giving communities the flexibility they need to solve real problems together. Municipalities across New Hampshire are facing rising costs, workforce challenges, and increasing demands for services that do not stop at town lines. Public safety, water and sewer, solid waste, planning, housing, and transportation are all examples where cooperation already happens informally. This bill simply provides a clear legal framework to do that cooperation responsibly, transparently, and with voter accountability. Participation under this bill is entirely voluntary. No town is forced to join. No services are mandated. No authority is created unless local legislative bodies choose to create one. Just as important, the powers of any intermunicipal authority are strictly limited. These entities may exercise only those powers that are expressly delegated to them in the compact. There is no implied authority and no ability to expand beyond what member municipalities approve. This bill also includes strong fiscal safeguards. Intermunicipal authorities created under this chapter have no independent taxing power. Any budgets must be funded through the normal municipal appropriation process. Any debt issuance requires approval from the legislative bodies of the member municipalities. Transparency laws under RSA 91-A and fiscal controls under RSA 32 apply. In other words, local taxpayers remain fully protected. This is not a consolidation bill. It does not eliminate town meetings. It does not create regional government by mandate. It does not shift authority away from locally elected officials. It simply gives municipalities a modern tool to share services when it makes sense, save money when possible, and deliver better outcomes for residents. Many towns already cooperate through informal agreements. This bill gives them clarity, structure, and accountability, while respecting New Hampshire’s strong tradition of local governance. If municipalities decide this tool is not right for them, they do not have to use it. If they decide it no longer serves their interests, they can withdraw under the terms of their compact. This is conservative, commonsense legislation. It trusts local officials. It respects voters. And it encourages efficiency without sacrificing control. I respectfully ask the committee to support this bill. Thank you, and I am happy to answer any questions.