Sign Up
HB 1245 New Hampshire House · 2026 Regular Session

relative to voluntary portable benefits plans for independent contractors.

HB 1245 establishes a voluntary framework for independent contractors in New Hampshire to access portable benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, or disability coverage through designated providers. Hiring parties (businesses or platforms) can voluntarily contribute to these plans or withhold a portion of payment from the contractor, with the contractor’s written consent. Crucially, participation in these plans cannot be used to reclassify a worker as an employee under state law, preserving current independent contractor status. The bill requires clear opt-in agreements and has no estimated state or local cost impact.
Issues: ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes voluntary framework enabling independent contractors to access health insurance as portable benefits, expanding coverage options for a vulnerable workforce.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentCreates voluntary portable benefits framework for independent contractors, expanding benefit access for a worker segment often excluded from traditional employment benefits.80% confidence
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Dec 2025
Committee Review
May 2026
House Passage
Mar 2026
Senate Passage
May 2026
Signed into Law
Jul 2026
Introduced Dec 1, 2025 Signed Jul 10, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 3 comparisons

What changed between versions

Version adopted by both bodies → CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION · 3 edits
MINOR
The bill was finalized and formatted for official publication as Chapter 220, replacing the draft 'Version Adopted by Both Bodies.' The substantive policy text regarding portable benefits for independent contractors remains unchanged, but the document now includes specific approval and effective dates.
TIMELINE

The document header was updated to reflect the final chapter number (Chapter 220) and replaced the draft version title with 'Final Version'.

Specific dates were added to the footer: the bill was approved on July 02, 2026, and is scheduled to take effect on August 31, 2026.

TECHNICAL

The 'Fiscal Note' section and the 'Agencies Contacted' section were removed, as these are typically internal legislative documents not included in the final enacted law.

Floor votes · House Mar 12, 2026

How they voted

105–88
Passed · 29 other
Total votes 222
Mar 12, 2026
D Democratic107
3 Yea 88 Nay 16
82% Nay
I Independent2
1 Yea 1
50% Yea
R Republican113
101 Yea 12
89% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
17
Key actions
8
Committee
5
Amendments
3
Jul 10, 2026
Signed into law
Signed by Governor Ayotte 07/02/2026; Chapter 220; eff. 8/31/2026
lower
Jun 10, 2026
Introduced
Enrolled Bill Amendment # 2026-2138e: AA VV (in recess of) 06/04/2026 HJ 15
lower
Jun 10, 2026
Upper · Passed
Enrolled Bill Amendment # 2026-2138e Adopted, VV, (In recess of 06/04/2026); SJ 14
upper
May 7, 2026
Upper · Passed
Ought to Pass: MA, VV; OT3rdg; 05/07/2026; SJ 11
upper
Apr 28, 2026
Upper · Passed
Committee Report: Ought to Pass, 05/07/2026, Vote 3-2; SC 17
upper
Mar 17, 2026
Introduced
Introduced 03/12/2026 and Referred to Commerce; SJ 7
upper
Mar 12, 2026
House · Passed
House Vote: pass (105-88-29)
house
Mar 12, 2026
Lower · Passed
Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-0237h: MA RC 188-151 03/12/2026 HJ 8 P. 19
lower
Mar 12, 2026
Introduced
Amendment # 2026-0237h: AA VV 03/12/2026 HJ 8 P. 18
lower
Feb 24, 2026
Lower · Passed
Minority Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate
lower
Feb 24, 2026
Lower · Passed
Majority Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0237h 02/10/2026 (Vote 11-9; RC) HC 10 P. 60
lower
Dec 1, 2025
Introduced
Introduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services HJ 1 P. 12
lower
0 primary · 3 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.