Labor & Employment

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 1705 establishes a First Responders Support Fund to cover enrollment costs for small town and volunteer first responders into the state’s existing Employee Assistance Program (EAP). It directly affects first responders in communities with no more than 5 full-time paid staff, including volunteer departments. The fund, administered by the Department of Health and Human Services, uses state appropriations (initially $1 for FY 2026-2027) and accepts gifts, grants, or donations to cover EAP enrollment fees. The EAP provides mental health support, including services for PTSD, with the department required to report annually on fund usage and program outcomes. This bill does not create new services but expands access to an existing state EAP for eligible small-community responders.