As New Hampshire passes the midpoint of the 2026 legislative session, “crossover,” the period when bills move from the House to the Senate and vice versa, offers a clear moment to assess where we are on issues that directly affect the state’s economic climate. For the business community, this year’s crossover highlights both significant challenges and promising opportunities.

The Business & Industry Association of New Hampshire (BIA) recently hosted our annual Coffee and Crossover event, bringing together lawmakers and stakeholders for an in-depth look at the months ahead. Legislative leaders from both parties and both bodies shared their insights about the status of bills impacting the state’s business climate. This important event allowed us to take stock of the business community’s priorities. 

This year, BIA has successfully helped stop or slow several measures that would have had a negative impact, including the “Top 5 Job Killer Bills,” a set of proposals that appeared to have significant support but would otherwise add costs, increase regulatory burdens, or make New Hampshire less competitive. Those five bills include:

1.    Energy Cost Increases for Large Employers: HB 1002

HB 1002 repeals the local option property tax exemption for solar energy systems. Businesses that have invested heavily in solar arrays could face dramatic property tax increases (one large employer estimated a $14,000 spike) making the bill a direct hit to investments in cost-stabilizing energy solutions. The bill was tabled in the House and died upon crossover.

2.    Housing Supply Restrictions: HB 1196

New Hampshire’s housing shortage remains one of the most significant constraints on workforce growth. HB 1196 would eliminate the state Housing Champions Program, a proven incentive structure that helped communities permit 2,643 new housing units in 2024. Repealing the program threatens momentum at a moment when employers are struggling to recruit and retain workers. The bill remains in the Senate but we expect that it will be killed there. 

3.    Tax Increases Through Pension Restrictions: HB 1585

By limiting the state retirement system’s investment strategy, HB 1585 risks lowering returns and increasing employer contribution rates, costs ultimately borne by municipalities, schools, and taxpayers. For businesses, higher property taxes mean higher operating expenses and a less competitive environment. This bill was sent to Interim Study by the House on February 19.

4.    Employer Liability Catch-22: HB 1464

HB 1464 creates new protections based on political affiliation or opinion, but in doing so exposes employers to conflicting legal risks. Employers are required to prevent hostile work environments, yet this bill would limit their ability to moderate political expression that may create one. This bill was killed by the House on March 11.

5.    Added Regulatory Burdens: HB 1621

HB 1621 imposes a new baseline environmental impact study in addition to existing assessments, delaying development and increasing costs for a wide range of businesses, not only manufacturing. The Department of Environmental Services would also need new staff to implement the program, adding to delays. This bill was killed by the House on February 19.

Even as the business community worked to stop harmful proposals, we also worked to advance our “Four to the Finish Line,” pro-growth bills that would strengthen the state’s workforce, lower energy costs, and enhance competitiveness. Those four bills include:

1.    SB 449: Increasing Economic Competitiveness for Manufacturers

SB 449 gives large energy users new tools to stabilize electricity costs through private on-site energy investments. With surrounding states aggressively courting industrial development, this bill helps New Hampshire remain competitive without shifting costs to other ratepayers.

2.    HB 1195: One State, One Code for Child Care

Child care shortages keep thousands of parents out of the workforce. HB 1195 would streamline and standardize child care licensing rules, making it easier for small, safe programs to open and expand. For employers facing persistent labor shortages, this bill addresses one of the most pressing barriers to hiring: the availability of child care.

3.    HB 1102: Increasing the R&D Tax Credit Cap

Innovation drives high-wage job growth. Raising the R&D tax credit cap would encourage companies to invest more heavily in research, technology, and advanced manufacturing, a key sector of New Hampshire’s future economy.

4.    HB 1433: Creating a Child Care Tax Credit for Business Investment

HB 1433 would incentivize employers to invest directly in child care capacity, either on-site or through third-party providers. With 5,000 to 10,000 working-age adults staying home due to child care shortages, this bill offers a targeted, high-impact solution that has received the strong support of the Governor.

As the second half of the session begins, the business community’s priorities remain clear: strengthen New Hampshire’s competitiveness, grow the workforce, and maintain a strong, predictable climate for investment. Crossover shows both how far we’ve come and how much there is still to do. There’s still plenty of time left in the session for anything to happen, but the BIA will continue working with legislators to find solutions to the business community’s biggest challenges.

Natch Greyes serves as Vice President of Public Policy for the Business & Industry Association of New Hampshire. Visit BIAofNH.com.