HB 1177 - AS INTRODUCED
2026 SESSION
26-2639
05/06
HOUSE BILL 1177
SPONSORS: Rep. MacKenzie, Hills. 40
COMMITTEE: Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services
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ANALYSIS
This bill defines remote work and establishes various employment protections for remote workers.
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
26-2639
05/06
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Six
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 New Section; Protective Legislation; Remote Work. Amend RSA 275 by inserting after section 37-b the following new section:
275:37-c Remote Work.
I. In this section, "remote work" means a flexible work arrangement in which an employee, under a written remote work agreement, is scheduled to perform work at an alternative worksite and is not expected to perform work at an agency worksite on a regular and recurring basis. A remote worker’s official worksite may be within or outside the local commuting area of an agency worksite.
II. A remote worker shall receive the same protection and rights as an in-person worker.?
III. An employer shall ensure compliance with applicable labor laws for any employee working remotely, which includes meal and rest breaks, overtime, paid time off, and any other rights specific to job performance or location.
IV. An employer shall indemnify remote workers for all necessary expenditures or losses incurred by the employee as a direct consequence of the discharge of their duties.? These expenses may include but are not limited to Internet and phone bills, work-related equipment, such as computers and monitors, at-home tech expenses, office supplies, and mileage or transportation costs.
V. An employer shall extend their commitment to workplace safety to remote settings.
VI. An employer shall ensure that a remote worker is free from recognized hazards that could cause harm. This includes providing necessary equipment and ensuring that the work environment is adequate, thus ensuring safe and healthy practices.
VII. ?An employer is responsible for evaluating and addressing ergonomic factors in remote workstations. This involves providing suitable furniture, equipment, and accessories to promote comfortable and safe working conditions.
VIII. An employer should offer appropriate training to remote workers, outlining safety protocols and guidelines. This may include information on emergency procedures, proper equipment usage, and hazard identification.
IX. An employer shall establish effective communication channels to stay connected with remote workers. This ensures that employees can promptly report safety concerns or incidents, allowing for timely resolution.
X. An employer should implement measures to secure sensitive information and uphold data privacy in remote work settings. This involves secure remote access, data protection training, and clear policies on handling confidential information.
XI. Remote workers who sustain work-related injuries or illnesses shall be informed about the procedures for reporting and filing workers’ compensation claims. Employers shall maintain transparency about the available benefits and support for injured or ill remote workers.
2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2027.
| Date | Body | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 13, 2026 | House | Hearing |
| Jan. 20, 2026 | House | Exec Session |
| Jan. 20, 2026 | House | Floor Vote |
Feb. 3, 2026: Minority Committee Report: Ought to Pass
Feb. 3, 2026: Majority Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate 01/20/2026 (Vote 11-9; RC)
Jan. 14, 2026: Executive Session: 01/20/2026 10:00 am GP 159
Jan. 8, 2026: Public Hearing: 01/13/2026 01:15 pm GP 159
Dec. 1, 2025: Introduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services