Bill > HB1701

This bill reestablishes the New Hampshire College Graduate Retention Incentive Partnership (NH GRIP), a program designed to encourage college graduates to work and remain in New Hampshire. The bill defines key terms such as eligible institutions (public and private colleges in New Hampshire), graduates (students graduating in May 2019 or later), and participating employers. Under the program, employers can offer monetary incentives of at least $1,000 annually for up to four years to graduates who work in qualifying positions. The Department of Business and Economic Affairs (DBEA) will administer the program, develop application procedures, and prioritize small businesses and employers in sectors with workforce shortages like healthcare, skilled trades, and technology. Participating employers must publish their qualifying positions online and sign agreements with graduates. The DBEA is required to advertise the program, maintain a list of participating employers, and submit annual reports to legislative committees detailing program participation, outcomes, and recommendations. The bill includes a minimal appropriation of $1 for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 for advertising and outreach, with potential future funding to be included in biennial budget requests. The program aims to address workforce retention challenges by providing financial incentives to recent graduates who choose to work in New Hampshire.

Education

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=2353&inflect=2