HB 1786 imposes a semi-annual state assessment on residential properties valued over $1 million that are not used as a primary residence (luxury second homes), directly affecting owners of such properties. The revenue generated funds statewide housing development programs, including $15 million for workforce training in building trades and municipal grants for housing production. Key provisions include creating a dedicated fund for demolishing vacant buildings, expanding tax credits for housing infrastructure, and establishing a commission to study state financing for housing. The bill aims to address New Hampshire's housing shortage by leveraging new revenue to support affordable housing construction and workforce development.
HB 1484 establishes a new state minimum wage in New Hampshire, starting at $12.00 per hour on September 1, 2026, and increasing incrementally to $14.00 in 2027, $15.50 in 2028, and $17.00 in 2029. It directly affects employers and workers across the state by requiring that all hourly pay meets the higher of the federal minimum wage or these new state rates. The bill sets specific effective dates for each rate increase, with each new rate replacing the previous one until amended by future legislation. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026, with the first rate change beginning September 1, 2026.
HB 1072 requires New Hampshire's Department of Labor to provide employers with at least 30 days' written notice before conducting inspections or requesting documents/interviews. The notice must specify the inspection's purpose, whether it relates to a complaint, and any alleged labor law violations. Employers would then have 30 days to respond to such requests, regardless of whether a complaint was filed. Exceptions allowing shorter notice require attorney general approval only for recent violations (within 36 months), imminent health/safety risks, or evidence destruction concerns.
HB 1515 repeals the child care grant program that provided recruitment and retention grants to New Hampshire child care employers through the Department of Health and Human Services. The bill removes the $7.5 million annual appropriation (from federal TANF funds) that was intended to support these grants, though the program was already unworkable due to federal restrictions. This change directly affects child care providers who previously could have accessed these grants. The repeal has no fiscal impact as the program could not operate under federal guidelines, and no new funding or changes to services are enacted.
SB 88 prohibits New Hampshire state government entities from requiring or banning contractors from having agreements with labor organizations in public construction contracts or grants. It directly affects state agencies awarding construction projects (like roads or buildings) and the contractors bidding on those projects. The bill removes language from contracts that could force or block labor organization agreements, ensuring contractors aren't discriminated against based on such agreements. Exceptions apply only to avoid immediate threats to public health or safety, and the bill does not stop voluntary labor agreements or affect federal labor law.
HB 1704, the "Public Employee Choice Act," would allow most state and local government workers in New Hampshire to negotiate wages, hours, and working conditions directly with their employers without union representation. It specifically exempts law enforcement officers, firefighters (with specific certification requirements), emergency medical personnel, and corrections officers, who would remain under existing collective bargaining rules. The bill defines "independent bargaining" as direct negotiation and prohibits employers from forcing eligible employees to use a union. Violations of these new rights would be subject to penalties under the law.
HB 1661 expands New Hampshire's Housing Finance Authority's "Community Heroes" program to provide homeownership assistance to essential workers. It appropriates $750,000 for fiscal year 2027 and $1.5 million annually thereafter from the General Fund to fund the program, with no more than 10% allowed for administrative costs. The program specifically targets eligible workers in healthcare, childcare, elder care, law enforcement, firefighting, education, and active military service, allowing them to use funds for down payments, closing costs, or interest rate reductions. The bill requires the Housing Finance Authority to establish rules defining eligibility and takes effect July 1, 2028, for the annual appropriation.
