Legislative Update January 10, 2020

January 10, 2020

The 2020 Session of the New Hampshire Legislature kicked off this past Wednesday with the House and Senate meeting to vote on bills left over from the 2019 Session.  They will be in Session this year until June 4.

​$15 MINIMUM WAGE:  On a vote of 212-155 the House passed HB 731, which would increase the state’s minimum wage in 6 increments over the next 5 years.  It would be increased as follows:  to $8.50 60 days after passage; $10.60 on 1/1/2021; $11.70 on 1/1/2022; $12.80 on 1/1/2023; $13.90 on 1/1/2024; and $15.00 on 1/1/2025.  The tipped wage would increase from 45% of the hourly minimum to 50%.  The bill now goes to the Senate.  NHLRA opposes this bill.

$12 MINIMUM WAGE AND $4 WAGE FOR TIPPED EMPLOYEES:  On Tuesday, January 14 at 2:20 p.m., the Senate Commerce Committee will hear SB 410, which would increase the state’s minimum wage to $10.00 on 1/1/2021 and then to $12.00 on 1/1/2023.  It would also change the wage for tipped employees from 45% of the applicable minimum wage to a flat $4.00.  Seperating the tip wage as a percentage is a change supported by NHLRA. 

ALLOWING CITIES AND TOWNS TO BAN SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BAGS:  On a vote of 215-151 the House passed HB 102, which would give cities and towns the ability to ban the distribution of single-use plastic bags.  The bill now goes to the Senate.  NHLRA opposes this bill. 

SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BAG FEE:  On a vote of 205-158 the House passed HB 559, which would require businesses to charge 10 cents per single use plastic bag.  The business would retain the 10 cents.  The bill now goes to the Senate. 

PAYMENT OF ROOMS AND MEALS TAX FOR SHORT-TERM RENTALS:  The House passed HB 274, which will require online companies such as Airbnb and Homeaway to collect the rooms and meals tax on behalf of the persons renting rooms on their platforms.  The bill now goes to the Senate.

PAYMENT FOR EARNED BUT UNUSED VACATION TIME:  The House passed HB 532 with amendment.  As amended, this bill requires employers to pay terminated employees for unused vacation time.  Payment must be made no later than the next pay period.  The bill now goes to the Senate.  NHLRA opposes this bill. 
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REQUIRING BUSINESSES TO ACCEPT CASH:  On Thursday, January 16 at 2:15 p.m. the House Commerce Committee will hear HB 1589, which will require businesses to accept cash as payment.
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Contact the NHLRA with your legislative questions or concerns at 603-228-9585 or info@nhlra.com.