0233-hb 1582

CHAPTER 233

HB 1582 - FINAL VERSION

AN ACT establishing a committee to study workplace policies and practices of small businesses for their effect on New Hampshire employees and their families.

SPONSORS: Rep. Gile, Merr 16; Rep. Pilliod, Belk 3; Rep. Estabrook, Straf 8; Sen. Larsen, Dist 15

This bill establishes a committee to study workplace policies and practices of small businesses for their effect on New Hampshire employees and their families.

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Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

AN ACT establishing a committee to study workplace policies and practices of small businesses for their effect on New Hampshire employees and their families.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

233:1 Committee Established. There is established a committee to study the workplace policies and practices in small businesses of 50 or fewer employees that enable employees to balance work responsibilities with family commitments.

(a) Three members of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house.

II. Members of the committee shall receive mileage at the legislative rate when attending to the duties of the committee.

(a) Examine employment and workplace policies of small businesses which enable employees to balance work responsibilities with family commitments. These may include:

(1) Assistance with dependent care of family members including resource and referral, reimbursement, or vouchers and/or assistance with child care for employees coming off welfare.

(2) Workplace policies such as flexible schedules, job-sharing, cafeteria benefit plans, and use of sick leave to care for family members with extended illnesses, and leave banks.

(b) Examine possible incentives that could be initiated by the state to encourage the successful New Hampshire small business policies which have been identified as effective.

(c) Examine possible changes to statutes or rules which would allow for greater flexibility on the part of small businesses to accommodate the changing needs of employees and their families.

II. The committee shall solicit input from, but shall not be limited to, representatives of the following:

233:4 Chairperson; Quorum. The members of the study committee shall elect a chairperson from among the members. The first meeting of the committee shall be called by the first-named house member. The first meeting of the committee shall be held within 45 days of the effective date of this section. Four members of the committee shall constitute a quorum.

233:5 Report. The committee shall report its findings and any recommendations for proposed legislation to the speaker of the house of representatives, the senate president, the house clerk, the senate clerk, the governor, and the state library on or before November 1, 2000.