CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today signed into law a bill (SB 39) that allows towns and schools districts to quickly utilize federal stimulus funds. The new law gives local government bodies the ability to call special meetings for the purpose of appropriating stimulus money. Previously, towns and school districts had to petition the superior courts to permission to call a special meeting.

The new law requires that there be a seven-day notice period on any special meeting.

“The purpose of the federal stimulus funds is to put our people back to work quickly. By streamlining the process, while ensuring the public’s participation, we are helping to do just that,” Gov. Lynch said. “I want to thank the bill’s sponsors, and the House and Senate for working quickly to pass this law.”

The bill was sponsored by Sens. Deb Reynolds and Bob Odell; and Reps. Mary Cooney and Suzanne Laliberte.