New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

New Hampshire Senate Bill SB88

Introduced
1/22/25  
Refer
1/22/25  
Refer
3/7/25  
Refer
3/13/25  
Report Pass
11/3/25  
Engrossed
2/26/26  
Refer
2/26/26  
Report Pass
5/6/26  

Caption

Prohibiting state government entities from including specified terms related to labor organization agreements in construction related contracts and grants.

Impact

The bill is expected to adjust the existing legal landscape concerning public works contracts and state funding for construction projects. By banning clauses that could favor or disfavor entities based on their connections with labor organizations, SB88 represents a shift towards securing equal opportunity for contractors across the board. This could potentially affect the dynamics of contractor relationships with labor unions, as firms might engage with or distance themselves from such organizations without repercussions from state contracts.

Summary

SB88 is a legislative measure aimed at prohibiting state government entities in New Hampshire from including specific terms related to labor organization agreements in construction-related contracts and grants. The bill seeks to ensure that governmental entities do not discriminate or impose conditions regarding labor organization affiliations in awarding contracts or grants for construction projects. The intent is to promote a neutral stance in state contracts, ensuring all participants can compete without bias based on their labor affiliations, thereby simplifying the bidding process for contractors and subcontractors.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB88 appears mixed among various stakeholders. Proponents argue that this legislation will create a fairer contracting environment, while detractors may see it as undermining the bargaining power of labor unions and the protections these organizations provide to workers. The debate underscores a long-standing tension between labor rights advocacy and efforts to maintain competitive bidding and neutrality in government contracting.

Contention

Notable points of contention around SB88 center on the implications for labor relations in the construction industry. Critics argue that while the intention is to promote non-discrimination, the practical effect may lead to weakening labor standards and protections that unions help secure. Additionally, there is concern about the potential erosion of collaborative relationships between unionized workers and contractors who engage with labor organizations, as any perceived favoritism could cause friction in these essential partnerships.

Companion Bills

NH SB88

Carry Over Prohibiting state government entities from including specified terms related to labor organization agreements in construction related contracts and grants.

Previously Filed As

NH SB88

Prohibiting state government entities from including specified terms related to labor organization agreements in construction related contracts and grants.

NH HB386

Prohibiting nursing agencies from including non-compete clauses in contracts with health care entities.

NH HB238

Prohibiting collective bargaining agreements from requiring employees join or contribute to a labor union.

NH HB71

Prohibiting the school facilities to be used to provide shelter for aliens, relative to department of health and human services contracts, requiring the use of public notices before re-assessment of property values for tax purposes, and relative to construction of a public pier on Hampton Beach and making an appropriation therefor.

NH SB164

Relative to homeowners and prohibiting certain types of listing agreements.

NH HB311

Relative to permissible campaign contributions by business organizations and labor unions.

NH HB575

Prohibiting offshore wind energy infrastructure.

NH HB100

Prohibiting the use of state funds for new passenger rail projects.

NH HB764

Prohibiting the intentional release of polluting emissions, including cloud seeding, weather modification, excessive electromagnetic radio frequency, and microwave radiation and making penalties for violation of such prohibition.

NH HB720

Prohibiting the importation and sale of live bait fish from out of state.

Similar Bills

TX HB3306

Relating to the applicability of certain laws affecting indemnification agreements to certain contracts or agreements pertaining to electric utility infrastructure.

TX HB2960

Relating to choice of law and venue for certain construction contracts.

HI HB1221

Relating To Procurement.

HI HB1221

Relating To Procurement.

CA AB1514

Worker classification: employees and independent contractors: licensed manicurists: commercial fishers.

MO SB1452

Establishes provisions relating to construction contracts

MO SB615

Establishes provisions relating to construction contracts

DE SB197

An Act To Amend Title 14 And Title 29 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Project Labor Agreements For School Public Works Contracts.