Eligible New Hampshire workers could receive paid leave benefits

Eligible individuals could receive wage replacement while taking certain family or medical leave. Covered leave includes time for a new child, care for a family member with a serious health condition, the individual's own serious health condition, or a qualifying military-related need. A person must meet the covered-individual requirements and apply; this generally includes meeting a state earnings threshold or electing self-employed coverage. Benefits depend on an approved claim, replace only part of wages, and may be reduced by certain other benefits. The eligibility and benefit provisions would begin January 1, 2027. In each 12-month application year, benefits could cover up to 26 weeks for an individual's own serious health condition or specified family leave; other qualifying leave is capped at 12 weeks, and the combined maximum is 26 weeks.

Employers would send payroll contributions to a state fund, and the Insurance Department would run the program. Employers would contribute to the program; self-employed people could choose coverage and pay contributions directly. Contribution rates would be set to cover benefits and administration. Employers could deduct the employee share from wages up to the amount allowed by rule. Self-employed people could elect coverage and pay contributions directly. The fiscal note says the bill provides no start-up funding and that costs are uncertain. Employer contributions and the program's eligibility provisions would begin January 1, 2027.

Employers would restore covered individuals to their former or an equivalent job after leave and continue their health benefits during leave. These protections would apply to covered individuals who take leave under the program. Restoration rights would apply even if an individual takes leave but does not receive insurance benefits. The individual would keep paying their share of health costs, and the employer would keep paying its share. Health benefits would continue during leave, and job restoration would apply when leave ends.