The National Federation of Independent Business reported on Mar. 30 that New Hampshire small business owners have raised concerns about how state agencies conduct inspections and handle wage complaints. According to the organization, many business owners say state officials often arrive without warning for inspections or investigations, which can disrupt daily operations and take time away from serving customers.
The issue is important because unexpected visits can mean hours or days spent with inspectors reviewing records, sitting for interviews, and responding to requests. This leads to lost productivity for small businesses.
The organization said that much of the problem comes from a lack of clear notice and guidelines in current state law regarding routine inspections. State law does not always specify how these processes should be conducted when it comes to small businesses. The general inspection authority given to the New Hampshire Department of Labor has not been updated since it was first enacted in 1911.
A bill sponsored by Representative Brian Labrie aims to modernize this section of law. The proposed legislation, HB 1072, would require the Department of Labor to provide at least 30 days’ notice before an inspection or visit, explain the lawful purpose of any visit, describe any alleged complaint, and allow at least 30 days for businesses to respond to requests for documents or interviews. There are exemptions in the bill for emergencies, enforcement related to boilers or elevators, employment of children in hazardous conditions, and repeat violators.
Another bill supported by Labrie is HB 1168. It seeks changes in how employers respond to wage complaints filed with the department. Currently, workers have up to three years to file a complaint while employers only have ten days after notification to respond—often while managing day-to-day business tasks as well as reviewing old payroll files and consulting legal help if needed. HB 1168 would extend this response time from ten days up to twenty days.
Both bills passed the House and are awaiting further action in the Senate.
