What happened?

On July 3, 2024, Governor Chris Sununu signed HB 1169 which adopts a version of the Model CROWN Act (“Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair”), prohibiting hairstyle discrimination.

What are the details?

Key Bites for Employers:

• The law will prohibit employers of all sizes from discriminating against applicants and employees based on their protective hairstyle. Protective hairstyles are defined as hair type or style, including braids, locs, tight coils or curls, cornrows, Bantu knots, Afros, twists, and head wraps.

• If someone is subjected to such discrimination, that person will have a private cause of action and will be exempt from the jurisdiction of the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights and the provisions of RSA 354-A., per McLane Middleton law firm.

• The New Hampshire Department of Corrections is exempt from the application of this law.

Business Considerations

• Employers should audit their dress and/or grooming policies and make sure they comply with the new regulations.

Source References

• HB 1169-FN
• New Hampshire Adopts New Law Prohibiting Workplace Discrimination Based on Protective Hairstyles (McLane Middleton)

Resources

• NH RSA 354-A

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