What happened?

On June 20, 2024, Governor Sununu signed HB 182, which creates a prohibition for the discharge of volunteer firefighters or emergency medical technicians (EMTs) from employment.

What are the details?

Key Bites for Employers:

• This law safeguards volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) from adverse actions by employers due to late reporting to work.
• The protection applies when these volunteers, in their official capacity, respond to emergencies they encounter or witness while commuting to work.
• The law applies to all employers, irrespective of their size.
• It stipulates that these employers cannot penalize their workers for being late due to such emergency responses. However, it also clarifies that employers are not obligated to compensate for the time spent in the emergency.
• This legislation acknowledges the crucial role volunteer emergency responders play in our communities and ensures they will not face workplace repercussions for their service.

Business Considerations

• Employers should update their leave and time off policies to match the new requirements.

Source References

• NH HB 182

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