Legislative Update for March 30, 2018

SERVICE OF ALCOHOL AND WINE AT BEVERAGE AND WINE MANUFACTURERS: On Tuesday April 3 at 2:30 p.m. the Senate Commerce Committee will hear HB 1725.  The bill would enable beverage manufacturers and nano breweries to serve two pints of beer.  Wine manufacturers would go from 2-ounce samples per label to two 5 ounce glasses.  This change moves the manufacturers from allowing patrons to “sample” their product to allowing patrons to pull up to the bar and enjoy a couple drinks.  NHLRA will continue to oppose this bill and urges members to contact the Senate Commerce Committee and ask them to oppose this bill. 
 
LABOR LAW CHANGES:  On Wednesday, April 4 at 10:00 a.m. the House Labor Committee will hear SB 318.   The bill removes the requirement for 16 or 17 year olds that have graduated from high school or obtained a high school equivalency credential from providing an employer proof of permission to work from a parent or legal guardian.  It also increases the number of hours 16 or 17 year olds can work in one week.  Current law limits it to no more than 6 consecutive days or more than 30 hours a school work week.  As amended, the bill keeps the 30 hour limit on school work weeks, but loosens it as follows: no more than 6 consecutive days or more than 40 hours if school is in session for 4 days; no more than 6 consecutive days or more than 48 hours if school is in session from 1 to 4 days; and no more than 6 consecutive days or more than 56 hours during summer vacation or any school vacation week.  The bill also limits the NH Department of Labor from doing unannounced inspections and to only conduct them where a complaint is filed.  It also limits inspections to the areas of a complaint. It further makes it clear that employees can purchase company garments beyond any uniform that is purchased for the employee by the employer.  Finally, it makes it clear that there will be no penalty for failure of an employer to provide notification to an employee concerning changes to their wage when the minimum wage is increased by statute.   NHLRA supports the bill and encourages members to ask the House Labor Committee to pass the bill.   

PAID FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE:  On Thursday April 5 at 2:30 p.m. the Senate Finance Committee will hear HB 628.  The bill would establish a paid family and medical leave insurance program for employees taking time away from work because of the birth of a child of the employee; because of a serious health condition of a family member; or because of a serious health condition of the employee.  The insurance pool would be funded through a .67% deduction from employee’s wages which employers would remit to the NH Department of Employment Security on a quarterly basis.  Employers would provide employees, upon hire, a form prepared by the Department that explains the program and provides an opportunity for employees to opt-out of the program.  Employees would be given an opportunity to opt in on January 1 of each year.  Participating employees would have to invest into the fund for 6 months prior to taking leave. The benefit would provide a participating employee 60 percent of their average weekly wages in the highest quarter of the year prior to the benefit year payable up to 6 weeks leave. 

 Contact the NHLRA with your legislative questions or concerns at 603-228-9585 or info@nhlra.com.