Bill > HB1340

This bill, called the "Right to Earn a Living Act," aims to limit government restrictions on individuals' ability to enter businesses and professions by establishing strict standards for occupational regulations. The bill requires all state and local government agencies to review their existing rules within one year to ensure they are demonstrably necessary and carefully tailored to achieve specific public health, safety, or welfare objectives. It defines key terms like "occupational regulations" (which exclude occupational licenses) and narrows the definition of "welfare" to protect the public from fraud or harm, rather than protecting existing businesses from competition. The bill allows individuals to petition agencies to repeal or modify overly burdensome regulations and provides a legal mechanism for challenging such regulations in court, with potential court-awarded attorney's fees for successful plaintiffs. Additionally, the bill preempts all inconsistent local rules and regulations regarding business and professional entry, effectively creating a statewide standard that prioritizes individuals' economic opportunities while maintaining essential public protections. The legislation is grounded in the principle that the right to pursue a chosen profession is a fundamental civil right and that excessive regulation disproportionately affects individuals outside the economic mainstream.

Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=2155&inflect=2