Bill > HB52

This bill amends New Hampshire's legal holidays law to add two new legal holidays: the day of the state primary preceding a biennial (two-year) election and the day of the quadrennial (four-year) presidential primary. The bill also clarifies the implications of designating a day as a legal holiday, specifying that state offices, cities, towns, school districts, and state-supported educational institutions should not be open for regular purposes on these days. However, employees necessary for essential governmental services, such as those involved in conducting primary and general elections, may still be required to work. Additionally, the bill requires other employers to, when practicable, allow employees up to three hours away from work to vote in primary and general elections. The law does not prevent alternative holiday or leave schedules established by statute or collective bargaining agreements. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, expanding the list of recognized legal holidays and ensuring some flexibility for voters to participate in the electoral process.

Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=4&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB52