This bill introduces new employment protections for the spouses of military service members who are involuntarily mobilized for up to one year and one day in support of war, national emergencies, or contingency operations. The proposed legislation amends RSA 110-C by adding a new section that prohibits employers from discharging, refusing to hire, or taking any adverse employment action against employees based on their spouse's involuntary mobilization. It also mandates that employers must reemploy the affected employees in their previous positions or equivalent roles after the mobilization period, while specifying that any leave taken during this time will be unpaid and without benefits unless the employer opts to provide them.

Additionally, the bill outlines the process for employees to notify their employers of their spouse's mobilization and establishes a framework for filing complaints with the New Hampshire Department of Labor in cases of violations. If a violation is found, employers may be liable for reinstatement, back pay, and lost benefits, and the Department of Labor is tasked with adopting rules for complaint procedures. The bill clarifies that it is intended to work in conjunction with the federal Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) and does not limit any rights provided under federal law. The effective date for this act is set for January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced:
As Amended by the House: