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Bill

SB 654

creating tax credits for businesses that have on-site child care services and for businesses that provide health care coverage for certain employees.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tim Lang and 2 co-sponsors

Creates tax credits incentivizing NH businesses to establish on-site child care and employee health care coverage, trading state revenue for workforce benefits.

Pending Motion Refer to Finance Rule 4-5; 03/05/2026; SJ 5
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Bill Summary · SB 654

Legislative bill overview

SB 654 establishes tax credits for New Hampshire businesses that provide on-site child care services and/or offer health care coverage to eligible employees. The bill aims to incentivize employers to offer these employee benefits through state tax reductions, reducing the direct cost burden on businesses that provide these services.

Why is this important

Child care and health care access are significant barriers to workforce participation and employee retention. By making these benefits more financially accessible to small and mid-sized businesses through tax credits, the bill addresses two major cost pressures affecting New Hampshire workers and employers. However, the fiscal impact on state tax revenue would need evaluation against potential economic benefits.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost to state budget: Tax credits reduce state revenue; lawmakers may debate whether foregone tax income is justified by economic benefits or workforce gains
  • Fairness to non-participating businesses: Businesses unable or unwilling to offer these services receive no credit, potentially creating competitive advantages for larger employers better positioned to offer benefits
  • Benefit eligibility thresholds: The bill references "certain employees" for health care coverage, leaving questions about which workers qualify and whether part-time/contract workers are included, affecting program scope and cost

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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