Select Board urges governor to sign HB 1491 to preserve non‑assessable municipal health risk pools

Town staff briefed the Select Board on HB 1491 and asked the board to send a letter urging the governor to sign the bill. Staff said the bill "establishes a legal framework needed for non assessable health insurance risk pools to continue operating in New Hampshire," preserving municipal choice between non‑assessable and assessable pool models.

Board members discussed competing bills at the governor's desk (HB 1491 and SB 661) and the financial implications if only an assessable model remained. One board member asked whether the bill could create a monopoly for any single pool; staff and other board members said the intent was to preserve choice and avoid surprise assessments that have occurred in the past from assessable pools.

Select board member Knudson moved that the board urge the governor to sign HB 1491 "to preserve municipal choice and avoid unplanned financial risk from an assessable model;" the motion was seconded and carried 5‑0.

Staff said the town would send the board's position to the governor, the town's legislative delegation and the New Hampshire Municipal Association.