relative to employment protections for freelance employees.

HB 1226 establishes new protections for freelance workers in New Hampshire by requiring hiring parties to provide written contracts that detail services, compensation rates, and payment deadlines. The bill applies to individuals hired as independent contractors for projects valued at $800 or more, while explicitly excluding legal professionals, medical staff, sales representatives, and construction contractors. It mandates that payment be made within 30 days of service completion and prohibits retaliation against workers who seek their rights under the law. Additionally, the legislation requires employers to retain contract records for at least six years and grants freelance workers the ability to file claims with the labor commissioner to enforce payment terms.