State HB 1300 tax-cap ballot measure could limit district budget and SAU spending

What happened

The board discussed HB 1300, a newly signed state law placing a local tax cap and SAU central-office spending limit question on the November 2026 ballot. If approved by a 60% supermajority, it would cap local property tax levy growth to the prior year's amount (adjusted for inflation/construction) and limit SAU central office spending to 6% of total district appropriations. The district will need to prepare two different budget scenarios until the vote outcome is known.

Why it matters to families

This could materially constrain the district's ability to raise tax revenue and cap administrative spending, forcing the district to develop multiple contingency budgets for FY2027 and beyond.

The evidence

Rose also explained that the NHSAA sent out an email regarding HB 1300 the Local Tax Cap and the Central Office Spending Limits bill that passed and was signed into law on July 15. This will be placed on the November state ballot... If it reaches the required 60-percent voter supermajority, it would prevent the school district from raising more tax money than it did the year before... Marion said the district will have to develop two different budgets until it knows how the town has voted.

The source