This bill amends existing law to clarify the designation of legal holidays, specifically by adding the days of the state primary preceding a biennial election and the quadrennial presidential primary as legal holidays. The new legal language inserted into RSA 288:1 includes provisions that state, "the day on which the state primary preceding a biennial election is held; the day on which the quadrennial presidential primary is held," alongside existing holidays such as Independence Day and Veterans Day.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section, RSA 288:1-a, which outlines the effects of legal holiday designations. It mandates that state offices and certain educational institutions must remain closed on legal holidays, although exceptions are made for employees deemed necessary for essential services, including during elections. Furthermore, it encourages all other employers to allow employees up to three hours away from work to vote during the biennial primary, presidential primary, and general election days. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 288:1