SB 655 (2026): relative to employee leasing companies, workers' compensation coverage options, and a minimum wage exemption for minor league baseball players.

SB 655 (2026)

relative to employee leasing companies, workers' compensation coverage options, and a minimum wage exemption for minor league baseball players.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services
• Senate committee: Commerce
• Subject: Employment
• Chapter law: 146

The Story

It was introduced on January 29, 2026 and referred to the Senate Commerce committee. The committee held a public hearing on February 10, 2026. The committee held a public hearing on March 10, 2026 on a proposed non-germane amendment (2026-1065s). The committee voted unanimously, 6–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2026-1160s), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-1160s) was adopted on a voice vote on March 26, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On March 26, 2026 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. It crossed to the House on March 26, 2026 and was referred to the House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services committee. The committee held a public hearing on April 14, 2026, with 7 people signed in online: 7 in support. The committee met in executive session on April 21, 2026 to vote on its recommendation. The committee held a work session on April 21, 2026. The committee voted unanimously, 20–0, to recommend that the House pass it, and the report was placed on the consent calendar. On May 7, 2026 the House voted to pass it on a voice vote. The bill was enrolled on May 21, 2026 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor signed it on June 12, 2026, making it Chapter 146 of the session laws. It took effect on August 11, 2026.

Sponsors

• Sen. Daniel Innis (R - SD7) (prime sponsor)
• Rep. Brian Labrie (R - Hills 2)
• Sen. Tim McGough (R - SD11)
• Sen. Keith Murphy (R - SD16)
• Sen. Howard Pearl (R - SD17)
• Rep. Katy Peternel (R - Carr 6)
• Sen. David Rochefort (R - SD1)
• Sen. Ruth Ward (R - SD8)

Hearings and Sessions

• February 10, 2026, 10:00 AM: hearing, Senate Commerce, SH 100
• March 10, 2026, 9:30 AM: hearing, Senate Commerce, SH 100
• March 26, 2026: consent calendar, Senate
• April 14, 2026, 10:00 AM: public hearing, House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services, GP 159
• April 21, 2026, 9:00 AM: full committee work session, House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services, GP 159
• April 21, 2026, 2:30 PM: executive session, House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services, GP 159
• May 7, 2026: consent calendar, House

Votes

• March 26, 2026, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2026-1160s — voice vote, passed
• May 7, 2026, House: Ought to Pass — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 277-B:9
• RSA 277-B:10
• RSA 277-B:12
• RSA 279:1

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• SC 5
• SC 9
• SC 11
• SJ 7
• HJ 9, page 55
• HC 18, page 9
• HJ 12, page 15
• SJ 14
• HJ 14, page 34