Bill > HB735

This bill proposes significant changes to public employee collective bargaining elections in New Hampshire. Specifically, it mandates that a bargaining unit's certification as an exclusive representative must be recertified by a vote when the majority of unit members have never previously voted on collective representation. The commissioner of labor is required to provide notice to each bargaining unit when this situation occurs. The bill ensures that all members of a bargaining unit can participate in recertification votes or votes to change representation. If a majority votes to decertify a unit, a new bargaining unit can be established within 12 months. The legislation also maintains existing provisions that allow for decertification if an employee organization is found to discriminate or systematically fails to provide equal participation to its members. Organizations must document and submit vote results to the Department of Labor within 30 days. While the bill does not provide additional funding, it is expected to create administrative challenges for the Public Employee Labor Relations Board, potentially requiring new staff and processes to manage the increased election requirements. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, and could impact approximately 678 certified bargaining units across state, city, county, municipal, and school district levels.

Labor and Employment

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=0767&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB735