relative to the employment of military spouses in the event of involuntary deployment of service member.
Sponsored By: James L Creighton (Republican)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Military spouses gain return-to-work rights
Beginning January 1, 2026, qualifying military spouses working for employers with 50 or more New Hampshire workers gain return-to-work rights. These rights last as long as their involuntarily mobilized spouse has reemployment rights under federal military employment law. Employees must notify their employer within 30 days after their spouse receives official mobilization notice, then report or apply on time when mobilization ends. Employers must restore the former job or one the employee qualifies for with like seniority, status, and pay. An employer can deny reemployment by showing changed circumstances make it impossible or unreasonable under federal regulations.
New job protections for military spouses
Beginning January 1, 2026, employers with 50 or more workers in New Hampshire cannot fire, refuse to hire, or otherwise penalize employees because their legal spouse is involuntarily mobilized. Covered call-ups involve uniformed service under federal military law, including state active duty, for war, a national emergency, or a contingency operation. Employees can file complaints with the New Hampshire Department of Labor within 180 days of an alleged violation. Employers found in violation owe reinstatement, back pay, and lost benefits; a court can also award reasonable attorney fees and costs. The department must set complaint and hearing rules, and the law preserves federal military employment rights.
Military spouse leave carries no pay
Beginning January 1, 2026, leave taken because a legal spouse is involuntarily mobilized is unpaid under this law. This rule covers qualifying employees whose employers have 50 or more workers in New Hampshire. Employers do not have to provide benefits or let benefits build up during leave, but can choose to do so.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
James L Creighton
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Diane Pauer
Republican • House
Daniel E. Innis
Republican • Senate
Jess Edwards
Republican • House
Juliet Harvey-Bolia
Republican • House
Larry G Gagne
Republican • House
Megan A Murray
Democratic • House
Suzanne M. Prentiss
Democratic • Senate
Rich� Colcombe
Republican • House
Ruth Ward
Republican • Senate
Ted Gorski
Republican • House
Terry W Roy
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor Ayotte 07/15/2025; Chapter 172; eff. 01/01/2026 HJ 18
7/22/2025HouseEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/26/2025); SJ 18
7/2/2025SenateEnrolled (in recess of) 06/26/2025 HJ 18 P. 59
7/2/2025HouseHouse Concurs with Senate Amendment 2025-1963s and 2025-2086s (Rep. Creighton): MA VV 06/05/2025 HJ 16
6/5/2025HouseOught to Pass with Amendments #2025-1963s and #2025-2086s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 05/15/2025; SJ 13
5/15/2025SenateSen. Innis Floor Amendment # 2025-2086s, AA, VV; 05/15/2025; SJ 13
5/15/2025SenateCommittee Amendment # 2025-1963s, AA, VV; 05/15/2025; SJ 13
5/15/2025SenateHB 225 was Removed from the Consent Calendar; 05/15/2025; SJ 13
5/15/2025SenateCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-1963s, 05/15/2025; Vote 6-0; CC; SC 21
5/7/2025Senate==TIME CHANGE== Hearing: 03/25/2025, Room 100, SH, 09:30 am; SC 14
3/18/2025SenateIntroduced 03/06/2025 and Referred to Commerce; SJ 7
3/11/2025SenateOught to Pass with Amendment 2025-0075h: MA VV 02/13/2025 HJ 5 P. 13
2/13/2025HouseAmendment # 2025-0075h: AA VV 02/13/2025 HJ 5 P. 13
2/13/2025HouseCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-0075h 02/04/2025 (Vote 19-1; CC) HC 11 P. 7
2/5/2025House==CONTINUED== Executive Session: 02/04/2025 10:00 am LOB 210-211
1/29/2025House==RECESSED== Executive Session: 01/28/2025 10:00 am LOB 307
1/15/2025HousePublic Hearing: 01/21/2025 03:15 pm LOB 307
1/14/2025HouseIntroduced 01/08/2025 and referred to Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services HJ 2 P. 11
1/7/2025House
Bill Text
Enrolled
7/2/2025
Introduced
1/7/2025
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION
Version adopted by both bodies
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