New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

New Hampshire House Bill HB311

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  
Report DNP
3/19/25  

Caption

Relative to permissible campaign contributions by business organizations and labor unions.

Impact

The bill is expected to have potential implications for the electoral landscape in New Hampshire. By creating a requirement for segregated accounts for political contributions, the legislation seeks to enhance transparency and accountability in the campaign finance system. This change might reduce the possibility of undue influence or conflicts of interest, as contributions would need to be delineated from general funds and sourced from voluntary donations rather than mandatory union dues or corporate revenues.

Summary

House Bill 311 aims to regulate the manner in which business organizations and labor unions can make campaign contributions. The bill mandates that these entities must operate through segregated funds established independently from their organizational finances. This means that any political contributions made by labor unions or business organizations would have to be channeled through these segregated accounts, with contributions only coming from voluntary sources, such as employees or members of those organizations.

Conclusion

Overall, House Bill 311 reflects an ongoing effort to reform campaign finance laws in New Hampshire, emphasizing transparency and ethical contributions. As the bill moves through the legislative process, the debates will likely highlight the balance between regulation and the rights of organizations to participate in the political process.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding HB 311. Supporters argue that this bill promotes fair election practices and prevents corruption by ensuring that political contributions are clearly segregated and voluntary. However, opponents raise concerns that this legislation could hinder the ability of labor unions and business organizations to effectively advocate for their interests. Critics may argue that the burden of establishing and maintaining segregated funds could disproportionately affect smaller unions and local businesses, potentially diminishing their political voice.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH HB1147

Relative to permissible campaign contributions by business organizations and labor unions.

NH HB1377

Relative to granting workers free choice to join or refrain from joining labor unions.

NH SB516

Relative to prohibiting collective bargaining agreements that require employees to join a labor union.

NH HB1422

Relative to the rates of the business profits tax, business enterprise tax, communications service tax, and meals and rooms tax.

NH HB1061

Relative to motor vehicle stops of uninspected vehicles.

NH HB1038

Relative to prohibiting registered sex offenders from employment at businesses providing direct services to minors or direct supervision or oversight of minors.

NH HB1477

Relative to environmental surety bonds for businesses that pose a significant risk to the state's natural resources.

NH HB1580

Relative to the prohibition of government procurement of electric vehicles containing components created through the use of forced labor.

NH HB1279

Relative to payment by the state of a portion of retirement system contributions of political subdivision employers.

NH HB1533

Relative to the safe harbor compensation amount under the business profits tax.

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