Jason Osborne, a state representative for New Hampshire’s Rockingham 4 District, said that towns are subdivisions of the state. He noted that a proposed home rule amendment to the state constitution was previously rejected by voters. This statement was made on X on April 15.
“Towns are subdivisions of the state created by the state,” said Osborne, House Majority Leader. “When a home rule amendment to the state constitution was on the ballot, it was overwhelmingly rejected. <15% of voters show for local elections, >80% for state. I protect citizen taxpayers, not fringe interests.”
According to the New Hampshire Municipal Association, municipalities in New Hampshire operate under Dillon’s Rule. This rule limits local government authority to powers explicitly granted by the state. The Association has historically advocated for expanded local control, including support for home rule initiatives. However, these efforts have faced legislative and constitutional hurdles since the Association’s early years in the 1970s and 1980s.
Ballotpedia reported that in 2022, New Hampshire voters rejected Question 1, a constitutional amendment aimed at providing local control in certain policy areas. The measure failed to achieve the required two-thirds majority, receiving only 55% support statewide. In New Hampshire, constitutional amendments must be approved by a supermajority of voters in a general election.
Osborne is a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives and has represented Rockingham District 4 since 2014. He has served as House Majority Leader and participates in multiple legislative committees. His public policy interests include education, tax reform, and limiting government regulation.
