Bill > HB353

This bill requires nightclubs and music venues to protect their employees from hearing damage by mandating sound level monitoring and hearing protection. Specifically, employers must monitor sound levels and provide hearing protection when the noise reaches 85 decibels for a sustained period of 2 hours, and must take immediate protective steps if sound levels exceed 90 decibels for an hour. To provide context, 85 decibels is roughly equivalent to heavy city traffic noise, while 90 decibels is similar to a lawnmower or motorcycle, and prolonged exposure can cause hearing loss. The bill also authorizes the commissioner of labor to adopt rules for implementing these requirements, ensuring that employers have clear guidance on how to comply with the new regulations. The new law will take effect 60 days after its passage, giving employers time to prepare and implement the necessary hearing protection measures. The bill aims to protect workers in the entertainment industry who are routinely exposed to high noise levels by requiring proactive hearing protection strategies.

Labor and Employment

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=0378&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB353