Bill > HB1245

This bill establishes a voluntary framework for portable benefit plans specifically designed for independent contractors in New Hampshire. The legislation defines an independent contractor as someone who meets specific legal criteria and allows hiring parties (which can include individuals, businesses, or marketplace platforms) to voluntarily contribute to benefit plans that may cover health insurance, unemployment insurance, disability insurance, life insurance, or retirement benefits. The bill provides important protections for independent contractors by requiring that any withholding for benefit contributions must be clearly agreed to in writing, with the contractor's affirmative opt-in and the ability to opt out at any time. Critically, the bill ensures that participation in these portable benefit plans will not affect the worker's classification as an independent contractor under state law, meaning employers cannot use these contributions as evidence that a worker should be considered an employee. The primary goal is to provide flexible benefits access for independent contractors without changing their employment status, and the law will take effect 60 days after its passage. This approach offers a potential solution for providing some economic security to the growing number of workers in the gig economy who typically lack traditional employment benefits.

Labor and Employment

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=2363&inflect=2