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Bill

Bill

CACR 18

relating to tax rates. Providing that the rate of taxes in the state shall not exceed certain annual percentages.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Alexander and 4 co-sponsors

Proposes constitutional amendment capping New Hampshire tax rates at unspecified annual percentages, requiring voter approval to permanently limit state revenue-raising authority.

Ought to Pass: MF DV 170-163 Lacking Necessary Three-Fifths Vote 03/12/2026 HJ 8 P. 78
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · CACR 18

Legislative bill overview

CACR 18 is a constitutional amendment resolution that would establish a constitutional ceiling on New Hampshire's tax rates, limiting them to specified annual percentages. The bill requires passage by the legislature and voter approval to amend the state constitution. This represents a structural constraint on the state's taxing authority rather than a change to current tax policy.

Why is this important

Tax rate caps directly affect state government's fiscal flexibility and revenue generation capacity for education, infrastructure, healthcare, and social services. Constitutional amendments are difficult to reverse, making this a long-term constraint on future legislatures' ability to respond to changing budget needs, economic conditions, or public priorities.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact uncertainty: Without knowing specific percentage limits, it's unclear how constraining this would be or what services might face funding pressure
  • Economic flexibility: Fixed caps may prevent needed tax adjustments during recessions, emergencies, or periods of economic growth requiring public investment
  • Democratic accountability: Constitutional limits shift budget decisions away from elected representatives responding to current constituents toward supermajority requirements for future tax changes
  • Implementation details: The bill references "certain annual percentages" without specifying them, raising questions about what limits are actually being proposed

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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