Labor & Employment (Collective Bargaining)

HB 1109 requires state agencies to provide suspended state employees with written notice of the suspension reasons within 7 days and periodic updates on investigation status every 90 days until a final decision is made. It directly affects state employees suspended with pay, excluding those covered by collective bargaining agreements. The bill establishes clear timelines for communication during investigations to ensure transparency. This policy change applies to all state employee investigations handled under the Department of Administrative Services, effective 90 days after enactment.

HB 1704, the "Public Employee Choice Act," would allow most state and local government workers in New Hampshire to negotiate wages, hours, and working conditions directly with their employers without union representation. It specifically exempts law enforcement officers, firefighters (with specific certification requirements), emergency medical personnel, and corrections officers, who would remain under existing collective bargaining rules. The bill defines "independent bargaining" as direct negotiation and prohibits employers from forcing eligible employees to use a union. Violations of these new rights would be subject to penalties under the law.