HB 543-FN is a bill designed to amend the New Hampshire state's Law Against Discrimination to include "veteran status" as a protected class. This amendment aims to prevent discrimination against veterans in employment, housing, public accommodations, and real estate transactions. The bill specifies that businesses can offer discounts to veterans without being considered discriminatory. The bill introduces insertions to the existing statutes, such as RSA 354-A:1, RSA 354-A:6, RSA 354-A:7, RSA 354-A:8, and RSA 354-A:10, to incorporate veteran status into the list of protected classes. It also clarifies that sexual orientation remains a protected characteristic.

The fiscal impact of the bill is indeterminable, as noted by the Department of Justice and the New Hampshire Commission on Human Rights. The Department of Justice does not anticipate a significant increase in discrimination complaints, particularly regarding pricing, while the Commission on Human Rights cannot predict the number of cases that may arise or if additional resources will be necessary. The Judicial Branch also cannot estimate the potential increase in cases due to the amendment. The bill is expected to take effect 60 days after its passage, with the fiscal impact assumed to occur after the fiscal year 2023. The summary does not detail the specific legal language to be inserted or deleted but focuses on the inclusion of "veteran status" as a protected class and the bill's fiscal implications.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 354-A:1, 354-A:6, 354-A:7, 354-A:8, 354-A:10, 354-A:12, 354-A:13, 354-A:16, 354-A:17