New Hampshire Law Updates
Adding Protections for Volunteer Firefighters and EMTs
Effective August 13, 2024, employers of all sizes will be prohibited from taking adverse action against volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) for reporting late to work because they are responding, in their official capacity, to an emergency while heading to work. Employers are not required to compensate nonexempt employees for time missed.
Prohibiting Hairstyle Discrimination
Starting September 1, 2024, New Hampshire law will prohibit employers of all sizes from discriminating against applicants and employees based on protective hairstyles. Protective hairstyles are defined as hair type or style, including braids, locs, tight coils or curls, cornrows, Bantu knots, Afros, twists, and head wraps.
Employers with dress or grooming policies that regulate hairstyles should consider whether those policies are truly necessary for the organization.
Action Item
Update your equal employment opportunity (EEO) policies to include protective hairstyles.