New Hampshire’s economic success is driven by a formula that offers a competitive tax climate, reasonable and stable regulation, nation-leading quality of life, and a strong partnership and collaboration between the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. That balance has helped employers create jobs, invest in their communities, and keep the Granite State one of the best places in the country to live and work.

As New Hampshire’s statewide chamber of commerce and leading business advocate, the BIA is tracking hundreds of legislative proposals that impact employers and our state’s business climate. A series of bills is currently moving through the State House that threatens to upend New Hampshire’s formula for economic success. These proposals have the potential to raise costs, restrict growth, and inject new uncertainty into decisions made by employers large and small. Here is a closer look at the BIA’s “Top 5 Job Killer Bills” a month into the 2026 legislative session:

1. Raising Energy Costs for Employers – HB 1002 repeals the solar energy tax exemption that currently allows municipalities the option exempt investments in solar from property taxes. This exemption has allowed manufacturers and other large energy users to manage costs while investing in energy resilience and sustainability. Eliminating it would translate directly into higher property taxes for businesses that made long-term investments under the current rules in their home community. One large employer estimates to the BIA that this single change would increase its property tax bill by $14,000 annually. At a time when manufacturers are competing globally and managing razor-thin margins, higher energy-related tax burdens send exactly the wrong message. Existing law currently empowers local communities to decide whether to offer this tax incentive and, given our state’s energy cost challenges, the legislature should preserve their ability to do so by rejecting HB 1002.

2. Slowing Housing Production When We Need It Most – Workforce availability is the top concern employers raise with BIA year after year, and housing supply is a critical part of that equation. HB 1196 repeals the state’s Housing Champions designation and grant program, a highly effective housing initiative that is helping to make real progress in addressing the housing crisis. The program is voluntary, locally driven, and results oriented. In 2024 alone, the 28 Housing Champion communities permitted 2,643 housing units, which equates to 45% of all units approved statewide, according to the Department of Business and Economic Affairs. Eliminating a program that is clearly working would slow housing production, drive up costs, and make it harder for employers to attract workers.

3. Higher Property Taxes Through Pension Policy – HB 1585 would restrict the investment strategy of the New Hampshire Retirement System (NHRS) by limiting the use of certain environmental, social, and governance-related investment approaches. While the intent of this bill may be political, the consequences are financial and they affect every taxpayer. NHRS targets a 6.75% rate of return. When that target is met, employer contribution rates, paid by the state, municipalities, and schools, remain stable or decline. When returns fall short, contribution rates rise. Because these employers are funded largely through property taxes, lower investment returns mean higher taxes. Adding new investment restrictions and administrative complexity increases the risk of underperformance and higher costs. We’re encouraged to see the House committee reviewing this proposal recommend it be killed.

4. A Labor Liability Catch-22 – HB 1464 creates new protections related to political affiliation or opinion, but in doing so places employers in an impossible position. Existing law requires employers to prevent hostile work environments. Under this bill, however, an employer who intervenes when political expression becomes disruptive or hostile could face liability from the employee expressing those views. The result is a legal Catch-22 for employers: act to protect one employee and risk being sued by another or do nothing and violate existing workplace standards. The ambiguity of HB 1464 increases litigation risk, discourages proactive management, undermines workplace harmony, and inserts the state into an employer’s ability to manage its workplace.

5. More Regulation, Higher Costs, Slower Growth – HB 1621 would require a new baseline environmental impact study before permits are issued for certain manufacturing and industrial facilities. This requirement would be layered on top of existing regulations, adding additional and unnecessary cost, time, and regulatory complexity to highly regulated industry sectors. The potential for unintended consequences is significant, as the bill would affect many businesses that store common chemicals or supplies on site. At a time when manufacturers are facing increased cost-pressures and competition, new burdensome regulations that lack clear intent and purpose will cost the state jobs and investment. While still pending, we’re pleased to see the House committee considering this bill is recommending it be killed.

New Hampshire’s economy remains strong and competitive, but it is not immune to bad policy. Policymakers should choose a path that reinforces our competitive advantage, supports employers and workers alike, and keeps opportunity growing in every corner of the state. As the 2026 session continues, it’s imperative that the legislature turns back job killer bills like these and focuses on pro-growth policies that strengthen New Hampshire’s economic competitiveness.

Michael Skelton is president and CEO of the Business & Industry Association of New Hampshire. Visit BIAofNH.com.