STATE COMMISSION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

RSA tit. XXXI, ch. 354-A

in effect

RSA 354-A:1 Title and Purposes of Chapter.

354-A:1. Title and Purposes of Chapter. This chapter shall be known as the "Law Against Discrimination." It shall be deemed an exercise of the police power of the state for the protection of the public welfare, health and peace of the people of this state, and in fulfillment of the provisions of the constitution of this state concerning civil rights. The general court hereby finds and declares that practices of discrimination against any of its inhabitants because of age, sex, gender identity, race, creed, color, marital status, familial status, physical or mental disability or national origin are a matter of state concern, that such discrimination not only threatens the rights and proper privileges of its inhabitants but menaces the institutions and foundation of a free democratic state and threatens the peace, order, health, safety and general welfare of the state and its inhabitants. A state agency is hereby created with power to eliminate and prevent discrimination in employment, in places of public accommodation and in housing accommodations because of age, sex, gender identity, race, creed, color, marital status, familial status, physical or mental disability or national origin as herein provided; and the commission established hereunder is hereby given general jurisdiction and power for such purposes. In addition, the agencies and councils so created shall exercise their authority to assure that no person be discriminated against on account of sexual orientation. Source. 1992, 224:1. 1997, 108:8, eff. Jan. 1, 1998. 2018, 176:1, eff. July 8, 2018.

RSA 354-A:2 Definitions.

354-A:2. Definitions. In this chapter: I. "Commercial structure" means any building, structure, or portion thereof which is continuously or intermittently occupied or intended for occupancy by a commercial or recreational enterprise, whether operated for profit or not, and any vacant land which is offered for sale or lease for the construction or location thereon of any such building, structure, or portion thereof. II. "Commission," unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context, means the state commission for human rights created by this chapter. III. "Covered multifamily dwellings" means: (a) Buildings consisting of 4 or more units if such buildings have one or more elevators; and (b) Ground floor units in other buildings consisting of 4 or more units. IV. "Disability" means, with respect to a person: (a) A physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of such person's major life activities; (b) A record of having such an impairment; or (c) Being regarded as having such an impairment. Provided, that "disability" does not include current, illegal use of or addiction to a controlled substance as defined in the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802 sec. 102 ). V. "Dwelling" means any building, structure, or portion thereof which is occupied as, or designed or intended for occupancy as, a residence by one or more families, and any vacant land which is offered for sale or lease for the construction or location thereon of any such building, structure, or portion thereof. VI. "Employee" does not include any individual employed by a parent, spouse or child, or any individual in the domestic service of any person. VII. "Employer" does not include any employer with fewer than 6 persons in its employ, an exclusively social club, or a fraternal or religious association or corporation, if such club, association, or corporation is not organized for private profit, as evidenced by declarations filed with the Internal Revenue Service or for those not recognized by the Internal Revenue Service, those organizations recognized by the New Hampshire secretary of state. Entities claiming to be religious organizations, including religious educational entities, may file a good faith declaration with the human rights commission that the organization is an organization affiliated with, or its operations are in accordance with the doctrine and teaching of a recognized and organized religion to provide evidence of their religious status. "Employer" shall include the state and all political subdivisions, boards, departments, and commissions thereof. VIII. "Employment agency" includes any person undertaking to procure employees or opportunities to work. IX. "Familial status" means one or more individuals, who have not attained the age of 18 years of age, and are domiciled with: (a) A parent, grandparent or another person having legal custody of such individual or individuals; or (b) The designee of such parent or other person having such custody, with the written permission of such parent or other person. "Familial status" also means any person who is pregnant or is in the process of securing legal custody of any individual who has not attained the age of 18 years. X. "Labor organization" includes any organization which exists and is constituted for the purpose, in whole or in part, of collective bargaining or of dealing with employers concerning grievances, terms or conditions of employment, or of other mutual aid or protection in connection with employment. XI. "Multiple dwelling" means 2 or more dwellings, as defined in paragraph V, occupied by families living independently of each other. XII. "National origin" includes ancestry. XIII. "Person" includes one or more individuals, partnerships, associations, corporations, legal representatives, mutual companies, joint-stock companies, trusts, trustees in bankruptcy, receivers, and the state and all political subdivisions, boards, and commissions thereof. XIV. "Place of public accommodation" includes any inn, tavern or hotel, whether conducted for entertainment, the housing or lodging of transient guests, or for the benefit, use or accommodations of those seeking health, recreation or rest, any restaurant, eating house, public conveyance on land or water, bathhouse, barbershop, theater, golf course, sports arena, health care provider, and music or other public hall, store or other establishment which caters or offers its services or facilities or goods to the general public. "Public accommodation" shall not include any institution or club which is in its nature distinctly private. XIV-a. "Qualified individual with a disability" means an individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the employment position that such individual holds or desires. For the purposes of this chapter, consideration shall be given to the employer's judgment as to what functions of a job are essential, and if an employer has prepared a written description before advertising or interviewing applicants for the job, this description shall be considered evidence of the essential functions of the job. XIV-b. "Reasonable accommodation" may include: (a) Making existing facilities used by employees readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. (b) Job restructuring, part-time or modified work schedules, reassignment to a vacant position, acquisition or modification of equipment or devices, appropriate adjustment or modifications of examinations, training materials or policies, the provision of qualified readers or interpreters, and other similar accommodations for individuals with disabilities. XIV-c. "Sexual orientation" means having or being perceived as having an orientation for heterosexuality, bisexuality, or homosexuality. This definition is intended to describe the status of persons and does not render lawful any conduct prohibited by the criminal laws of this state or impose any duty on a religious organization. This definition does not confer legislative approval of such status, but is intended to assure basic rights afforded under this chapter. XIV-d. "Undue hardship" means an action requiring significant difficulty or expense, when considered in light of the factors set forth in this paragraph. In determining whether an accommodation would impose an undue hardship on an employer, factors to be considered include: (a) The nature and cost of the accommodation needed under this chapter. (b) The overall financial resources of the facility involved in the provision of the reasonable accommodation; the number of persons employed at such facility; the effect on expenses and resources, or the impact otherwise of such accommodation upon the operation of the facility. (c) The overall financial resources of the employer; the overall size of the business of an employer with respect to the number of its employees; and the number, type, and location of its facilities. (d) The type of operation or operations of the employer, including the composition, structure, and functions of the workforce of such employer; the geographic separateness, administrative, or fiscal relationship of the facility in question to the employer. XIV-e. "Gender identity" means a person's gender-related identity, appearance, or behavior, whether or not that gender-related identity, appearance, or behavior is different from that traditionally associated with the person's physiology or assigned sex at birth. Gender-related identity may be shown by providing evidence including, but not limited to, medical history, care or treatment of the gender-related identity, consistent and uniform assertion of the gender-related identity, or any other evidence that the gender-related identity is sincerely held as part of a person's core identity provided, however, that gender-related identity shall not be asserted for any improper purpose. XV. "Unlawful discriminatory practice" includes: (a) Practices prohibited by RSA 354-A; (b) Practices prohibited by the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended (PL 88-352); (c) Practices prohibited by Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended (42 U.S.C. §§ 3601-3619); (d) Aiding, abetting, inciting, compelling or coercing another or attempting to aid, abet, incite, compel or coerce another to commit an unlawful discriminatory practice or obstructing or preventing any person from complying with this chapter or any order issued under the authority of this chapter. Source. 1992, 224:1. 1997, 108:9. 2006, 181:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2007; 274:1, eff. July 1, 2006. 2018, 176:2, eff. July 8, 2018.

RSA 354-A:3 State Commission for Human Rights.

354-A:3. State Commission for Human Rights. I. There is hereby created a commission to be known as the New Hampshire commission for human rights, which shall be administratively attached to the department of justice pursuant to RSA 21-G:10, with additional oversight provided by the director of the department's civil rights unit, or designee, pursuant to a memorandum of understanding entered into by the department and the commission. Such commission shall consist of 7 members, who shall be appointed by the governor, with the consent of the council, and one of whom shall be designated as chair by the governor. The term of office of each member of the commission shall be for 5 years. II. Any member chosen to fill a vacancy occurring otherwise than by expiration of term shall be appointed for the unexpired term of the member who is to be succeeded. Four members of the commission shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting the commission's business, with the exception of hearings conducted pursuant to RSA 354-A:21, II(b). A vacancy in the commission shall not impair the right of the remaining members to exercise all the powers of the commission. Each member of the commission shall be entitled to expenses actually and necessarily incurred by the member in the performance of the member's duties. III. Any member of the commission may be removed by the governor and council for inefficiency, neglect of duty, misconduct or malfeasance in office, after being given a written statement of the charges and an opportunity to be heard. Source. 1992, 224:1. 2000, 277:1, eff. June 16, 2000. 2019, 346:54, eff. July 1, 2019. 2025, 141:365, eff. July 1, 2025.

RSA 354-A:4 General Powers and Duties of the Chair.

354-A:4. General Powers and Duties of the Chair. The chair shall serve as the chief executive officer of the commission. The chair shall be a licensed attorney admitted or eligible to practice law in this state. The chair shall promote the efficient transaction of its business and the orderly handling of complaints and other matters before the commission. The chair shall designate commissioners to investigate and commissioners to hold hearings pursuant to RSA 354-A:21 and shall fix the times and places of public hearings. In the event of the chair's absence or inability to act, the vice-chair, or if no vice-chair has been designated, a commissioner designated by the chair shall act in the chair's stead. Otherwise a commissioner shall be designated by the governor to act as chair. Source. 1992, 224:1, eff. May 13, 1992. 2025, 141:366, eff. July 1, 2025.

RSA 354-A:5 General Powers and Duties of the Commission.

354-A:5. General Powers and Duties of the Commission. The commission shall have the following functions, powers and duties: I. To establish and maintain its principal office in the city of Concord, and such other offices within the state as it may deem necessary. II. To meet and function any place within the state. III. To appoint such attorneys, clerks, and other employees and agents as it may deem necessary, fix their compensation within the limitations provided by law, and prescribe their duties. IV. To obtain upon request and utilize the services of all governmental departments and agencies. V. To adopt rules, under RSA 541-A, suitable to carry out the provisions of this chapter, and the policies and practices of the commission in connection therewith. Such rules shall be kept current and shall not be permitted to expire. Such rules shall reflect any findings or determinations made in audits conducted by the legislative budget assistant pursuant to RSA 14:31 and 14:31-a. VI. To receive, investigate and pass upon complaints alleging violations of this chapter. VII. To hold hearings, subpoena witnesses, compel their attendance, administer oaths, take the testimony of persons under oath, and, in connection therewith, require the production for examination of any books or papers relating to any matter under investigation or in question before the commission. The commission may make rules as to the issuance of subpoenas by individual commissioners. No person shall be excused from attending and testifying or from producing books, records, correspondence, documents or other evidence in obedience to the subpoena of the commission, on the ground that the testimony or evidence required may tend to incriminate or subject such person to a penalty or forfeiture; but no individual shall be prosecuted or subjected to any penalty or forfeiture for or on account of any transaction, matter or thing concerning which such person is compelled, after having claimed the privilege against self-incrimination, to testify or produce evidence, except that such individual so testifying shall not be exempt from prosecution and punishment for perjury committed in so testifying. VIII. To create such advisory agencies and conciliation councils, local, regional or statewide, as in its judgment will aid in effectuating the purpose of this chapter, and the commission may empower them to study the problems of discrimination in all or specific fields of human relationships or in specific instances of discrimination, because of age, sex, gender identity, race, color, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, or physical or mental disability, religious creed or national origin, in order to foster, through community effort or otherwise, good will, cooperation and conciliation among the groups and elements of the population of the state, and make recommendations to the commission for the development of policies and procedures in general and in specific instances, and for programs of formal and informal education which the commission may recommend to the appropriate state agency. Such advisory agencies and conciliation councils shall be composed of representative citizens, serving without pay, but with reimbursement for actual and necessary traveling expenses; and the commission may make provision for technical clerical assistance to such agencies and councils and for the expenses of such assistance. IX. To issue such publications and such results of investigations and research as in its judgment will tend to promote good will and minimize or eliminate discrimination because of age, sex, gender identity, race, color, marital status, familial status, physical or mental disability, religious creed or national origin, and on account of sexual orientation. X. To render annually to the governor, president of the senate, speaker of the house of representatives, senate clerk, house clerk, legislative fiscal committee, and council a full written report of its activities and of its recommendations. The report shall include: (a) A detailed summary of actions taken to address and remediate findings identified in the most recent performance audit issued by the legislative budget assistant in February 2025, including but not limited to: (1) Timeliness of case investigations and resolutions, the number of cases resolved, the number of outstanding cases before the commission, whether the commission has a backlog of cases, and the average time it takes to close a case; (2) Implementation of a case management system; (3) Development of strategic planning, internal controls, and performance metrics; (4) Training and oversight of staff and commissioners; (5) Adoption and enforcement of administrative rules; (6) Correction of prior audit findings; (7) Confidentiality and data management improvements; and (8) Definitions and processes related to legal standards in investigations. (b) Quantitative performance measures including average time to assign and close cases, number of cases exceeding statutory time limits, and comparison to prior years. (c) Progress updates on administrative rulemaking, strategic plan implementation, and IT modernization initiatives. (d) Status of required statutory filings including biennial reports, statements of financial interests, and reconciliations with federal data systems. (e) Any additional recommendations or needs for legislative action. II. The report shall be made publicly available online on the TransparentNH website in accordance with executive order 2014-03. XI. To adopt an official seal. XII. To accept and utilize for its purposes, functions and duties as set forth in this chapter public and private grants, gifts, donations and contributions of money and other assets and properties, real and personal, of all types and kinds, without limitations. XIII. To formulate policies to effectuate the purposes of this chapter and make recommendations to agencies and officers of the state or its political subdivisions in aid of such policies and purposes. XIV. To utilize the services of the department of justice to obtain injunctive relief in state and federal courts. XV. To charge reasonable fees for educational services, programs, publications, and other written materials. Source. 1992, 224:1. 1997, 108:10. 2000, 277:2, eff. June 16, 2000. 2018, 176:3, eff. July 8, 2018. 2025, 141:367, 368, eff. July 1, 2025.

RSA 354-A:6 Opportunity for Employment Without Discrimination a Civil Right.

354-A:6. Opportunity for Employment Without Discrimination a Civil Right. The opportunity to obtain employment without discrimination because of age, sex, gender identity, race, creed, color, marital status, physical or mental disability or national origin is hereby recognized and declared to be a civil right. In addition, no person shall be denied the benefits of the rights afforded by this section on account of that person's sexual orientation. Source. 1992, 224:1. 1997, 108:11, eff. Jan. 1, 1998. 2018, 176:4, eff. July 8, 2018.

RSA 354-A:7 Unlawful Discriminatory Practices.

354-A:7. Unlawful Discriminatory Practices. It shall be an unlawful discriminatory practice: I. For an employer, because of the age, sex, gender identity, race, color, marital status, physical or mental disability, religious creed, or national origin of any individual, to refuse to hire or employ or to bar or to discharge from employment such individual or to discriminate against such individual in compensation or in terms, conditions or privileges of employment, unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification. In addition, no person shall be denied the benefit of the rights afforded by this paragraph on account of that person's sexual orientation. II. For a labor organization, because of the age, sex, gender identity, race, color, marital status, physical or mental disability, creed, or national origin of any individual, to exclude from full membership rights or to expel from its membership such individual or to discriminate in any way against any of its members or against any employer or any individual employed by an employer, unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification. In addition, no person shall be denied the benefit of the rights afforded by this paragraph on account of that person's sexual orientation. III. For any employer or employment agency to print or circulate or to cause to be printed or circulated any statement, advertisement or publication, or to use any form of application for employment or to make any inquiry or record in connection with employment, which expresses, directly or indirectly, any limitation, specification or discrimination as to age, sex, gender identity, race, color, marital status, physical or mental disability, religious creed or national origin or any intent to make any such limitation, specification or discrimination in any way on the ground of age, sex, gender identity, race, color, marital status, physical or mental disability, religious creed or national origin, unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification; provided, however, that nothing in this chapter shall limit an employer after the offer of hire of an individual from inquiring into and keeping records of any existing or pre-existing physical or mental conditions. In addition, no person shall be denied the benefit of the rights afforded by this paragraph on account of that person's sexual orientation. IV. For any employee to be required, as a condition of employment, to retire upon or before reaching a specified predetermined chronological age, or after completion of a specified number of years of service unless such employee was elected or appointed for a specified term or required to retire pursuant to Pt. II, Art. 78 of the constitution of New Hampshire. It shall not be unlawful for an employer to: (a) Establish a normal retirement age, based on chronological age or length of service or both, which may be used to govern eligibility for and accrual of pension or other retirement benefits; provided that such normal retirement age shall not be used to justify retirement of or failure to hire any individual; or (b) Require any individual employee to retire on the basis of a finding that the employee can no longer meet such bona fide, reasonable standards of job performance as the employer may have established. V. Harassment on the basis of sex constitutes unlawful sex discrimination. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitutes sexual harassment when: (a) Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment; (b) Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual; or (c) Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment. VI. (a) For the purposes of this chapter, the word "sex" includes pregnancy and medical conditions which result from pregnancy. (b) An employer shall permit a female employee to take leave of absence for the period of temporary physical disability resulting from pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions. When the employee is physically able to return to work, her original job or a comparable position shall be made available to her by the employer unless business necessity makes this impossible or unreasonable. (c) For all other employment related purposes, including receipt of benefits under fringe benefit programs, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions shall be considered temporary disabilities, and a female employee affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions shall be treated in the same manner as any employee affected by any other temporary disability. VII. (a) For any employer not to make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified individual with a disability who is an applicant or employee, unless such employer can demonstrate that the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the business of the employer. (b) For any employer to deny employment opportunities, compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment to a job applicant or employee who is a qualified individual with a disability, if such denial is based on the need of such employer to make reasonable accommodation to the physical or mental impairments of the applicant or employee. Source. 1992, 224:1. 1997, 108:12. 2006, 181:2, eff. Jan. 1, 2007. 2018, 176:5, eff. July 8, 2018. 2019, 332:22, eff. Oct. 15, 2019.

RSA 354-A:8 Equal Housing Opportunity Without Discrimination a Civil Right.

354-A:8. Equal Housing Opportunity Without Discrimination a Civil Right. The opportunity to obtain housing without discrimination because of age, sex, gender identity, race, creed, color, marital status, familial status, physical or mental disability or national origin is hereby recognized and declared a civil right. In addition, no person shall be denied the benefit of the rights afforded by this section on account of that person's sexual orientation. Source. 2021, 152:2, Pt. III, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 2022.

RSA 354-A:9 Definitions.

354-A:9. Definitions. In this subdivision: I. "Aggrieved person" includes any person who: (a) Claims to have been injured by a discriminatory housing practice; or (b) Believes that such person will be injured by a discriminatory housing practice that is about to occur. II. "Discriminatory housing practice" means an act that is unlawful under section 804, 805, 806, or 818 of the Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. section 3601, et seq. III. "Family" includes a single individual. IV. "Familial status" means one or more individuals who have not attained the age of 18 years and who are domiciled with: (a) A parent or another person having legal custody of such individual or individuals; or (b) The designee of such parent or other person having such custody, with the written permission of such parent or other person. V. "Person" includes one or more individuals, corporations, partnerships, associations, labor organizations, legal representatives, mutual companies, joint-stock companies, trusts, unincorporated organizations, trustees, trustees in bankruptcy cases under Title 11 of the United States Code, receivers, and fiduciaries. VI. "Real property" includes buildings, structures, real estate, lands, tenements, leaseholds, interests in real estate cooperatives, condominiums, and hereditaments, corporeal and incorporeal, or any interest therein. VII. "Real estate transaction" includes the sale, exchange, rental or lease of real property. "Real estate transaction" also includes the brokering or appraising of residential real property and the making or purchasing of loans or providing other financial assistance: (a) For purchasing, constructing, improving, repairing or maintaining a dwelling; or (b) Secured by residential real estate. VIII. "Housing accommodation" includes any improved or unimproved real property, or part thereof, which is used or occupied, or is intended, arranged or designed to be used or occupied, as the home or residence of one or more individuals. IX. "Real estate broker or salesman" means a person, whether licensed or not, who, for or with the expectation of receiving a consideration, lists, sells, purchases, exchanges, rents, or leases real property, or who negotiates or attempts to negotiate any of these activities, or who holds himself or herself out as engaged in these. X. "Conciliation" means the attempted resolution of issues raised by a charge, or by the investigation of such charge, through informal negotiations involving the aggrieved party, the respondent, and the commission. XI. "Conciliation agreement" means a written agreement setting forth the resolution of the issues in conciliation. Source. 2021, 152:2, Pt. III, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 2022.

RSA 354-A:10 Civil Rights Violations; Real Estate Transactions.

354-A:10. Civil Rights Violations; Real Estate Transactions. It shall be an unlawful discriminatory practice because of age, sex, gender identity, race, religion, color, marital status, familial status, physical or mental disability or national origin to: I. Refuse to engage in a real estate transaction with a person or to discriminate in making available such a transaction. II. Alter the terms, conditions or privileges of a real estate transaction or in the furnishing of facilities or services in connection therewith. III. Refuse to receive or to fail to transmit a bona fide offer to engage in a real estate transaction from a person. IV. Refuse to negotiate for a real estate transaction with a person. V. Represent to a person that real property is not available for inspection, sale, rental, or lease when in fact it is so available, or to fail to bring a property listing to his or her attention, or to refuse to permit him or her to inspect real property. VI. Make, print, or publish, or cause to be made, printed, or published, any notice, statement, advertisement, or sign, with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling, or commercial structure, that indicates any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, marital status, familial status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination. VII. Offer, solicit, accept, use or retain a listing of real property with knowledge that unlawful discrimination or discrimination on the basis of familial status or an arrest record in a real estate transaction is intended. Source. 2021, 152:2, Pt. III, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 2022.

RSA 354-A:11 Disability.

354-A:11. Disability. I. It is a civil rights violation to refuse to sell or rent or to otherwise make unavailable or deny a dwelling to any buyer or renter because of a disability of that buyer or renter, a disability of a person residing or intending to reside in that dwelling after it is sold, rented, or made available, or a disability of any person associated with the buyer or renter. II. It is a civil rights violation to alter the terms, conditions, or privileges of sale or rental of a dwelling or the provision of services or facilities in connection with such dwelling because of a disability of a person with a disability or a disability of any person residing or intending to reside in that dwelling after it is sold, rented, or made available, or a disability of any person associated with that person. III. It is a civil rights violation: (a) To refuse to permit, at the expense of the person with a disability, reasonable modifications of existing premises occupied or to be occupied by such person if such modifications may be necessary to afford such person full enjoyment of the premises; except that, in the case of a rental, the landlord may, where it is reasonable to do so, condition permission for a modification on the renter agreeing to restore the interior of the premises to the condition that existed before modifications, reasonable wear and tear excepted. The landlord may not increase for persons with a disability any customarily required security deposit. However, where it is necessary in order to ensure with reasonable certainty that funds will be available to pay for the restorations at the end of the tenancy, the landlord may negotiate as part of such a restoration agreement a provision requiring that the tenant pay into an interest bearing escrow account, over a reasonable period, a reasonable amount of money not to exceed the cost of the restorations. The interest in any such account shall accrue to the benefit of the tenant. A landlord may condition permission for a modification on the renter providing a reasonable description of the proposed modifications as well as reasonable assurances that the work will be done in a workmanlike manner and that any required building permits will be obtained; (b) To refuse to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices, or services, when such accommodations may be necessary to afford such person equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling; or (c) In connection with the design and construction of covered multifamily dwellings for first occupancy after March 13, 1991, to fail to design and construct those dwellings in such a manner that: (1) The public use and common use portions of such dwellings are readily accessible to and usable by persons with a disability; (2) All the doors designed to allow passage into and within all premises within such dwellings are sufficiently wide to allow passage by persons with a disability in wheelchairs; and (3) All premises within such dwellings contain the following features of adaptive design: (A) An accessible route into and through the dwelling; (B) Light switches, electrical outlets, thermostats, and other environmental controls in accessible locations; (C) Reinforcements in bathroom walls to allow later installation of grab bars; and (D) Usable kitchens and bathrooms such that an individual in a wheelchair can maneuver about the space. IV. Compliance with the appropriate requirements of the American National Standard for buildings and facilities providing accessibility and usability for physically disabled people (commonly cited as "ANSI A117.1") suffices to satisfy the requirements of subparagraph III(c)(3). V. If a unit of local government has incorporated into its building code the requirements set forth in subparagraph III(c), compliance with the local building code shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of that subparagraph. VI. A unit of local government may review and approve newly constructed covered multifamily dwellings for the purpose of making determinations as to whether the design and construction requirements of subparagraph III(c) are met. VII. The commission shall encourage, but may not require, units of local government to include in their existing procedures for the review and approval of newly constructed covered multifamily dwellings, determinations as to whether the design and construction of such dwellings are consistent with subparagraph III(c), and shall provide technical assistance to units of local government and other persons to implement the requirements of subparagraph III(c). VIII. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to require the commission to review or approve the plans, designs or construction of all covered multifamily dwellings to determine whether the design and construction of such dwellings are consistent with the requirements of subparagraph III(c). IX. Nothing in paragraph IV, V, VI, or VII shall be construed to affect the authority and responsibility of the commission to receive and process complaints or otherwise engage in enforcement activities under state law. X. Determinations by a unit of local government under paragraphs IV and V shall not be conclusive in enforcement proceedings under this chapter if those determinations are not in accord with the terms of this chapter. XI. Nothing in this section requires that a dwelling be made available to an individual whose tenancy would constitute a direct threat to the health or safety of others or would result in substantial physical damage to the property of others. Source. 2021, 152:2, Pt. III, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 2022.

RSA 354-A:12 Blockbusting.

354-A:12. Blockbusting. It is a civil rights violation for any person to: I. Solicit for sale, lease, listing or purchase any residential real estate within this state, on the grounds of loss of value due to the present or prospective entry into the vicinity of the property involved of any person or persons of any particular race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status or disability. II. Distribute or cause to be distributed, written material or statements designed to induce any owner of residential real estate in this state to sell or lease his or her property because of any present or prospective changes in the race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status or disability of residents in the vicinity of the property involved. III. Intentionally create alarm, among residents of any community, by transmitting communications in any manner, including a telephone call whether or not conversation thereby ensues, with a design to induce any owner of residential real estate in this state to sell or lease his or her property because of any present or prospective entry into the vicinity of the property involved of any person or persons of any particular race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status or disability. IV. Evict a tenant solely on the grounds that the person has acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) or is regarded to have acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Source. 2021, 152:2, Pt. III, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 2022.

RSA 354-A:13 Restrictive Covenants.

354-A:13. Restrictive Covenants. I. Every provision in an oral agreement or a written instrument relating to real property which purports to forbid or restrict the conveyance, encumbrance, occupancy, or lease thereof on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin is void. II. (a) Every condition, restriction or prohibition, including a right of entry or possibility of reverter, which directly or indirectly limits the use or occupancy of real property on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin is void. (b) This section shall not apply to a limitation of use on the basis of religion of real property held by a religious institution or organization or by a religious or charitable organization operated, supervised, or controlled by a religious institution or organization, and used for religious or charitable purposes. III. It is a civil rights violation to insert in a written instrument relating to real property a provision that is void under this section or to honor or attempt to honor such a provision in the chain of title. Source. 2021, 152:2, Pt. III, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 2022.

RSA 354-A:14 Interference, Coercion, or Intimidation.

354-A:14. Interference, Coercion, or Intimidation. It is a civil rights violation to coerce, intimidate, threaten, or interfere with any person in the exercise or enjoyment of, or on account of his or her having exercised or enjoyed, or on account of his or her having aided or encouraged any other person in the exercise or enjoyment of, any right granted or protected by this subdivision. Source. 2021, 152:2, Pt. III, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 2022.

RSA 354-A:15 Exemptions.

354-A:15. Exemptions. Nothing contained in RSA 354-A:10 shall prohibit: I. Private sales of single family homes. (a) Any sale of a single family home by its owner so long as the following criteria are met: (1) The owner does not own or have a beneficial interest in more than three single family homes at the time of the sale; (2) The owner or a member of his or her family was the last current resident of the home; (3) The home is sold without the use in any manner of the sales or rental facilities or services of any real estate broker or salesman, or of any employee or agent of any real estate broker or salesman; (4) The home is sold without the publication, posting or mailing, after notice, of any advertisement or written notice in violation of RSA 354-A:10, VII. (b) This exemption shall not apply to RSA 354-A:10, VII. II. Rental of a housing accommodation in a building which contains housing accommodations for not more than 4 families living independently of each other, if the owner resides in one of the housing accommodations. This exemption does not apply to RSA 354-A:10, VII. III. Rental of a room or rooms in a private home by an owner if he or she or a member of his or her family resides therein or, while absent for a period of not more than 12 months, if he or she or a member of his or her family intends to return to reside therein. IV. Reasonable local, state, or federal restrictions regarding the maximum number of occupants permitted to occupy a dwelling. V. A religious organization, association, or society, or any nonprofit institution or organization operated, supervised, or controlled by or in conjunction with a religious organization, association, or society, from limiting the sale, rental, or occupancy of a dwelling which it owns or operates for other than a commercial purpose to persons of the same religion, or from giving preference to such persons, unless membership in such religion is restricted on account of race, color, or national origin. VI. Conduct against a person because such person has been convicted by any court of competent jurisdiction of the illegal manufacture or distribution of a controlled substance as defined in the federal Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. section 802(6). VII. Persons engaged in the business of furnishing appraisals of real property from taking into consideration factors other than those based on unlawful discrimination or familial status in furnishing appraisals. VIII. No provision in this subdivision regarding familial status shall apply with respect to housing for older persons. (a) As used in this paragraph, "housing for older persons" means housing: (1) Provided under any state or federal program that the Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development determines is specifically designed and operated to assist elderly persons, as defined in the state or federal program; or (2) Intended for, and solely occupied by, persons 62 years of age or older; or (3) Intended and operated for occupancy by persons 55 years of age or older and: (A) At least 80 percent of the occupied units are occupied by at least one person who is 55 years of age or older; (B) The housing facility or community publishes and adheres to policies and procedures that demonstrate the intent required under this subparagraph; and (C) The housing facility or community complies with rules adopted by the commission for verification of occupancy, which shall: (i) Provide for verification by reliable surveys and affidavits; and (ii) Include examples of the types of policies and procedures relevant to a determination of compliance with the requirement of subparagraph X(a)(3)(B). These surveys and affidavits shall be admissible in administrative and judicial proceedings for the purposes of such verification. (b) Housing shall not fail to meet the requirements for housing for older persons by reason of: (1) Persons residing in such housing as of the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1988 who do not meet the age requirements of subparagraph X(a)(2) or X(a)(3); provided, that new occupants of such housing meet the age requirements of subparagraph X(a)(2) or X(a)(3); or (2) Unoccupied units; provided, that such units are reserved for occupancy by persons who meet the age requirements of subparagraph X(a)(2) or X(a)(3). (c)(1) A person shall not be held personally liable for monetary damages for a violation of this subdivision if the person reasonably relied, in good faith, on the application of the exemption under this paragraph relating to housing for older persons. (2) For the purposes of this subparagraph, a person may show good faith reliance on the application of the exemption only by showing that: (A) The person has no actual knowledge that the facility or community is not, or will not be, eligible for the exemption; and (B) The facility or community has stated formally, in writing, that the facility or community complies with the requirements for the exemption. IX. Inquiry into or the use of an arrest record if the inquiry or use is otherwise authorized by state or federal law. Source. 2021, 152:2, Pt. III, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 2022.

RSA 354-A:16 Equal Access to Public Accommodations a Civil Right.

354-A:16. Equal Access to Public Accommodations a Civil Right. The opportunity for every individual to have equal access to places of public accommodation without discrimination because of age, sex, gender identity, race, creed, color, marital status, physical or mental disability or national origin is hereby recognized and declared to be a civil right. In addition, no person shall be denied the benefit of the rights afforded by this section on account of that person's sexual orientation. Source. 1992, 224:1. 1997, 108:15, eff. Jan. 1, 1998. 2018, 176:8, eff. July 8, 2018.

RSA 354-A:17 Unlawful Discriminatory Practices in Public Accommodations.

354-A:17. Unlawful Discriminatory Practices in Public Accommodations. It shall be an unlawful discriminatory practice for any person, being the owner, lessee, proprietor, manager, superintendent, agent or employee of any place of public accommodation, because of the age, sex, gender identity, race, creed, color, marital status, physical or mental disability or national origin of any person, directly or indirectly, to refuse, withhold from or deny to such person any of the accommodations, advantages, facilities or privileges thereof; or, directly or indirectly, to publish, circulate, issue, display, post or mail any written or printed communication, notice or advertisement to the effect that any of the accommodations, advantages, facilities and privileges of any such place shall be refused, withheld from or denied to any person on account of age, sex, gender identity, race, creed, color, marital status, physical or mental disability or national origin; or that the patronage or custom thereat of any person belonging to or purporting to be of any particular age, sex, gender identity, race, creed, color, marital status, physical or mental disability or national origin is unwelcome, objectionable or acceptable, desired or solicited. In addition, no person shall be denied the benefit of the rights afforded by this section on account of that person's sexual orientation. Source. 1992, 224:1. 1997, 108:15, eff. Jan. 1, 1998. 2018, 176:9, eff. July 8, 2018. 2019, 332:2, eff. Oct. 15, 2019.

RSA 354-A:17-a Rental Agreement Policies With Guests Under 21.

354-A:17-a. Rental Agreement Policies With Guests Under 21. Nothing in this subdivision shall prohibit a hotel, motel, or other lodging establishment held out to transient guests for public accommodations from having policies denying or refusing rental agreements with guests under 21 years of age. Source. 2025, 106:2, eff. June 19, 2025.

RSA 354-A:18 Exemption for Religious Organizations.

354-A:18. Exemption for Religious Organizations. Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to bar any religious or denominational institution or organization, or any organization operated for charitable or educational purposes, which is operated, supervised or controlled by or in connection with a religious organization, from limiting admission to or giving preference to persons of the same religion or denomination or from making such selection as is calculated by such organization to promote the religious principles for which it is established or maintained. Source. 1992, 224:1, eff. May 13, 1992.

RSA 354-A:18-a Exemption for Protective Hairstyles.

354-A:18-a. Exemption for Protective Hairstyles. Private causes of action under RSA 275:37-d shall be exempt from the jurisdiction of the human rights commission. Source. 2024, 117:3, eff. Sept. 1, 2024.

RSA 354-A:19 Retaliation and Required Records.

354-A:19. Retaliation and Required Records. It shall be an unlawful discriminatory practice for any person engaged in any activity to which this chapter applies to discharge, expel, or otherwise retaliate or discriminate against any person because he has opposed any practices forbidden under this chapter or because he has filed a complaint, testified or assisted in any proceeding under this chapter. Source. 1992, 224:1, eff. May 13, 1992.

RSA 354-A:20 Required Records.

354-A:20. Required Records. It shall not be an unlawful discriminatory practice to record any data required by law, or by the rules and regulations of any state or federal agency, provided such records are kept in good faith for the purpose of complying with law, and are not used for the purpose of discrimination in violation of this chapter. Source. 1992, 224:1, eff. May 13, 1992.

RSA 354-A:21 Procedure on Complaints.

354-A:21. Procedure on Complaints. I. (a) Any person claiming to be aggrieved by an unlawful discriminatory practice may make, sign and file with the commission a verified complaint in writing which shall state the name and address of the person, employer, labor organization, employment agency or public accommodation alleged to have committed the unlawful discriminatory practice complained of and which shall set forth the particulars thereof and contain such other information as may be required by the commission. The attorney general or one of the commissioners may, in like manner, make, sign, and file such complaint. (b) In connection with the filing of such complaint, the attorney general is authorized to take proof, issue subpoenas and administer oaths in the manner provided in the civil practice law and rules. Any employer whose employees, or some of them, refuse or threaten to refuse to cooperate with the provisions of this chapter, may file with the commission a verified complaint asking for assistance by conciliation or other remedial action. II. (a) After the filing of any complaint, one of the commissioners designated by the chair shall make, with the assistance of the commission's staff, prompt investigation in connection therewith; during the course of the investigation, the commission shall encourage the parties to resolve their differences through settlement negotiations; and if such commissioner shall determine after such investigation that probable cause exists for crediting the allegations of the complaint, the commissioner shall immediately endeavor to eliminate the unlawful discriminatory practice complained of by conference, conciliation and persuasion. The members of the commission and its staff shall not disclose what has occurred in the course of such endeavors, provided that the commission may publish the facts in the case of any complaint which has been dismissed, and the terms of conciliation when the complaint has been so disposed of. When the investigating commissioner finds no probable cause to credit the allegations in the complaint, the complaint shall be dismissed, subject to a right of appeal to superior court. To prevail on appeal, the moving party shall establish that the commission decision is unlawful or unreasonable by a clear preponderance of the evidence. The findings of the investigating commissioner upon questions of fact shall be upheld as long as the record contains credible evidence to support them. If it reverses the finding of the investigating commissioner, the superior court shall remand the case for further proceedings in accordance with RSA 354-A:21, II, unless the complainant or respondent elects to proceed with a hearing in superior court pursuant to RSA 354-A:21-a. (b) In case of failure to eliminate an unlawful discriminatory practice complained of, or in advance thereof, if, in the judgment of the commissioner making the investigation, circumstances so warrant, the commissioner shall cause to be issued and served in the name of the commission, a written notice, together with a copy of such complaint, as the same may have been amended, requiring the person, employer, labor organization or employment agency named in such complaint, hereinafter referred to as respondent, to answer charges of such complaint at a hearing before 3 members of the commission, designated by the chair and sitting as the commission, at a time and place to be fixed by the chair and specified in such notice. The place of any such hearing shall be the office of the commission or such other place as may be designated by it. (c) The case in support of the complaint may be presented before the commission by the complainant or complainant's representative and the commissioner who shall have previously made the investigation and caused the notice to be issued shall not participate in the hearing except as a witness, nor shall he participate in the subsequent deliberation of the commission in such case; and the aforesaid endeavors at conciliation shall not be received in evidence. The respondent shall file a written verified answer to the complaint and appear at such hearing in person or otherwise, with or without counsel, and submit testimony. The commission or the complainant shall have the power reasonably and fairly to amend any complaint, and the respondent shall have like power to amend his other answer. The commission shall not be bound by the strict rules of evidence prevailing in courts of law or equity. The testimony taken at the hearing shall be under oath and transcribed at the request of any party. The cost of transcription shall be borne by the party requesting the transcript unless the party is indigent, in which case the commission shall pay the cost. (d) If, upon all the evidence at the hearing, the commission shall find that a respondent has engaged in any unlawful discriminatory practice as defined in this chapter, the commission shall state its findings of fact and shall issue and cause to be served on such respondent an order requiring such respondent to cease and desist from such unlawful discriminatory practice and to take such affirmative action, including, but not limited to, hiring, reinstatement or upgrading of employees, with or without back pay, restoration to membership in any respondent labor organization, or the extension of full, equal and unsegregated accommodations, advantages, facilities and privileges to all persons, as in the judgment of the commission, will effectuate the purpose of this chapter and including a requirement for report of the manner of compliance. Such cease and desist orders for affirmative relief may be issued to operate prospectively. The commission may also order compensatory damages to be paid to the complainant by the respondent and, in order to vindicate the public interest, order the respondent to pay an administrative fine. The administrative fine shall be deposited in the general fund. The amount of the administrative fine shall not exceed: (1) $10,000 if the respondent has not been adjudged to have committed any prior discriminatory practice in any administrative hearing or civil action. (2) $25,000 if the respondent has been adjudged to have committed a prior discriminatory practice in any administrative hearing or civil action and the adjudication was made no more than 5 years prior to the date of filing the current charge. (3) $50,000 if the respondent has been adjudged to have committed 2 or more discriminatory practices in any administrative hearings or civil actions and the adjudications were made during the 7-year period preceding the date of filing of the charge. (e) When issuing an order awarding back pay, the commission shall calculate the back pay award by determining the amount the complainant would have earned but for the unlawful discriminatory practice. The commission shall subtract from that amount any unemployment compensation or interim earnings received by the complainant for the time period covered by the back pay award. (f) If upon all the evidence the commission shall find that a respondent has not engaged in any such unlawful discriminatory practice, the commission shall state its findings of fact and shall issue and cause to be served on the complainant an order dismissing the said complaint as to such respondent. A copy of its order shall be delivered in all cases to the attorney general, and such other public officers as the commission deems relevant or proper. The commission shall establish rules of practice to govern, expedite, and effectuate the foregoing procedure and its own actions thereunder. III. Any complaint filed pursuant to this section by an aggrieved person must be filed within 180 days after the alleged act of discrimination. Any complaint filed pursuant to this section by the attorney general or one of the commissioners must be so filed within 180 days after the alleged unlawful discriminatory practice. IV. In administering this section, the commission shall be exempt from the provisions of RSA 541-A:29, II, but shall close each case or commence adjudicative proceedings on such case under RSA 354-A:21 within 24 months after the filing date of the complaint. Source. 1992, 224:1-3. 1994, 251:3; 412:44. 2000, 277:3, 4, 5. 2006, 126:3, 4, eff. July 1, 2006.

RSA 354-A:21-a Choice of Forum.

354-A:21-a. Choice of Forum. I. Any party alleging to be aggrieved by any practice made unlawful under this chapter may, at the expiration of 180 days after the timely filing of a complaint with the commission, or sooner if the commission assents in writing, but not later than 3 years after the alleged unlawful practice occurred, bring a civil action for damages or injunctive relief or both, in the superior court for the county in which the alleged unlawful practice occurred or in the county of residence of the party. Any party alleged to have committed any practice made unlawful under this chapter may, in any case in which a determination of probable cause has been made by the investigating commissioner, remove said complaint to superior court for trial. A court in cases so removed may award all damages and relief which could have been awarded by the commission, except that in lieu of an administrative fine, enhanced compensatory damages may be awarded when the court finds the respondent's discriminatory conduct to have been taken with willful or reckless disregard of the charging party's rights under this chapter. A superior court trial shall not be available to any party if a hearing before the commission has begun or has concluded pursuant to RSA 354-A:21, II(b), or to a complainant whose charge has been dismissed as lacking in probable cause who has not prevailed on an appeal to superior court pursuant to RSA 354-A:21, II(a). In superior court, either party is entitled to a trial by jury on any issue of fact in an action for damages regardless of whether the complaining party seeks affirmative relief. II. The charging party shall notify the commission of the filing of any superior court action, and the respondent shall notify the commission of the removal to superior court after a finding of probable cause. After such notice, the commission shall dismiss the complaint without prejudice. A party electing to file a civil action with the superior court under paragraph I shall be barred from bringing any subsequent complaint before the commission based upon the same alleged unlawful discriminatory practice. III. The commission may, after a finding of probable cause, bring suit in superior court at its own expense on behalf of an aggrieved person in housing discrimination cases. Source. 2000, 277:6. 2006, 126:5, 6, eff. July 1, 2006.

RSA 354-A:22 Judicial Review and Enforcement.

354-A:22. Judicial Review and Enforcement. I. Any complainant, respondent or other person aggrieved by such order of the commission may obtain judicial review of the order, and the commission or any interested person may obtain an order of court for its enforcement, in a proceeding as provided in this section. Such proceeding shall be brought in the superior court of the state within any county in which the unlawful practice which is the subject of the commission's order occurs or in which any person required in the order to cease and desist from an unlawful practice or to take other affirmative action resides or transacts business. II. Such proceeding shall be initiated by the filing of a petition in such court, together with a written transcript of the record upon the hearing before the commission in the case of a petition for judicial review, and issuance and service of a summons as in proceedings in equity. The court shall have power to grant such temporary relief or restraining order as it deems just and proper, and to make and enter upon the pleadings, testimony, and proceedings set forth in such transcript an order or decree enforcing, modifying, and enforcing as so modified, or setting aside in whole or in part the order of the commission, with full power to issue injunctions against any respondent and to punish for contempt of court. No objection that has not been urged before the commission shall be considered by the court, unless the failure or neglect to urge such objection shall be excused because of extraordinary circumstances. In petitions to enforce commission orders, the court may, in its discretion, award the complaining party reasonable attorney's fees and costs. III. Any party may move the court to remit the case to the commission in the interests of justice for the purpose of adducing additional specified and material evidence and seeking findings thereon, or in the alternative to move the court to accept such additional evidence itself, provided he shows reasonable grounds for the failure to adduce such evidence before the commission. The superior court shall have the authority to make all rulings of law, findings of fact and determinations of damages and fines, if any, notwithstanding any such rulings, findings or determinations made by the commission. All such proceedings shall be heard and determined by the court as expeditiously as possible and shall take precedence over all other matters before it, except matters of like nature. The jurisdiction of the superior court shall be exclusive and its final order or decree shall be subject to review by the supreme court in the same manner and form and with the same effect as in appeals from a final order or decree in proceedings in equity. IV. The commission's copy of the testimony shall be available at all reasonable times to all parties for examination and for the purposes of judicial review of the order of the commission. The review shall be heard on the record without requirement of printing. The commission may appear in court by one of its attorneys. A proceeding under this section when instituted by any complainant, respondent or other person aggrieved must be instituted within 30 days after the service of the order of the commission. V. If the complainant brings an action in federal court arising out of the same claims of discrimination which formed the basis of an order or decision of the commission, such order or decision shall be vacated and any appeal therefrom pending in any state court shall be dismissed. Source. 1992, 224:1, 4, 5. 2000, 277:7, eff. June 16, 2000. 2014, 204:12, eff. July 11, 2014.

RSA 354-A:23 Posting of Commission Notices.

354-A:23. Posting of Commission Notices. Every person, employer, employment agency, labor union, real estate agency and rental office subject to this chapter shall post in a conspicuous place or places on his premises a notice to be prepared or approved by the commission, which shall set forth excerpts of this chapter and such other relevant information which the commission deems necessary to explain the chapter. Any employer, employment agency, real estate agency, rental office or labor union refusing to comply with the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a violation if a natural person, or guilty of a misdemeanor if any other person. Source. 1992, 224:1, eff. May 13, 1992.

RSA 354-A:24 Criminal Penalty.

354-A:24. Criminal Penalty. Any person, employer, labor organization or employment agency, who or which shall willfully resist, prevent, impede or interfere with the commission or any of its members or representatives in the performance of duty under RSA 354-A, or shall willfully violate an order of the commission, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor if a natural person, or guilty of a felony if any other person. Procedure for the review of the order shall not be deemed to be such willful conduct. Source. 1992, 224:1, eff. May 13, 1992.

RSA 354-A:25 Construction.

354-A:25. Construction. No provision of this chapter shall be deemed to supersede any other provision of law for the protection of minors or for the regulation of the employment of minors. The provisions of this chapter shall be construed liberally for the accomplishment of the purposes thereof. Nothing contained in this chapter shall be deemed to repeal any of the provisions of the civil rights law or any other law of this state relating to discrimination because of age, sex, gender identity, race, creed, color, marital status, physical or mental disability or national origin; but, as to acts declared unlawful by this chapter the procedure provided in this chapter shall, while pending, be exclusive and the final determination therein shall exclude any other action, civil or criminal, based on the same grievance of the individual concerned. If such individual institutes any action based on such grievance without resorting to the procedure provided in this chapter, such person may not subsequently resort to the procedure in this chapter, provided, however, that nothing in this section shall prevent any individual from applying for or receiving unemployment compensation while the procedure provided for in this chapter is pending or after the procedure provided in this chapter has been concluded. This section shall not prevent the commission for human rights from investigating and acting upon a complaint of discrimination when the complainant has also filed a claim for unemployment compensation in which the issue of illegal discrimination is raised. Source. 1992, 224:1, eff. May 13, 1992. 2018, 176:10, eff. July 8, 2018.

RSA 354-A:26 Severability.

354-A:26. Severability. If any provision of this chapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of the chapter which can be given effect without the invalid provisions or applications, and to this end the provisions of this chapter are severable. Source. 1992, 224:1, eff. May 13, 1992.

RSA 354-A:27 Opportunity for Public Education Without Discrimination a Civil Right.

354-A:27. Opportunity for Public Education Without Discrimination a Civil Right. No person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in public schools because of their age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, marital status, familial status, disability, religion or national origin, all as defined in this chapter. Source. 2019, 282:2, eff. Sept. 17, 2019.

RSA 354-A:28 Procedure on Public School Complaints.

354-A:28. Procedure on Public School Complaints. I. Any person claiming to be aggrieved by a discriminatory practice prohibited under RSA 354-A:27 may initiate a civil action in superior court against a school or school district for legal or equitable relief, or file a complaint with the commission as provided in RSA 354-A:21. The attorney general may also initiate such a civil action in superior court or by complaint with the commission. II. Any complaint filed with the commission pursuant to paragraph I shall comply with and be subject to the procedures outlined in this chapter, with the exception that such complaints may be removed to superior court at any time in compliance with RSA 508:4. Source. 2019, 282:2, eff. Sept. 17, 2019.

RSA 354-A:29 Right to Freedom from Discrimination in Public Workplaces and Education.

354-A:29. Right to Freedom from Discrimination in Public Workplaces and Education. I. The general court hereby finds and declares that practices of discrimination against any New Hampshire inhabitants because of age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, marital status, familial status, mental or physical disability, religion, or national origin are a matter of state concern, that discrimination based on these characteristics not only threatens the rights and proper privileges of New Hampshire inhabitants but menaces the institutions and foundation of a free democratic state and threatens the peace, order, health, safety and general welfare of the state and its inhabitants. II. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to prohibit racial, sexual, religious, or other workplace sensitivity training based on the inherent humanity and equality of all persons and the ideal that all persons are entitled to be treated with equality, dignity, and respect. III. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to limit the academic freedom of faculty members of the university system of New Hampshire and the community college system of New Hampshire to conduct research, publish, lecture, or teach in the academic setting. Source. 2021, 91:297, eff. June 25, 2021.

RSA 354-A:30 Definitions.

354-A:30. Definitions. In this subdivision: I. "Government program" means any activity undertaken by a public employer, both as an employer and in performance of its government function. II. "Public employee" means any person working on a full-time or part-time basis for the state, or any subdivision thereof, including, but not limited to counties, cities, towns, precincts, water districts, school districts, school administrative units, or quasi-public entities. III. "Public employer" includes the state or any subdivision thereof, including, but not limited to counties, cities, towns, precincts, water districts, school districts, school administrative units, or quasi-public entities. Source. 2021, 91:297, eff. June 25, 2021.

RSA 354-A:31 Prohibition on Public Employers.

354-A:31. Prohibition on Public Employers. No public employer, either directly or through the use of an outside contractor, shall teach, advocate, instruct, or train any employee, student, service recipient, contractor, staff member, inmate, or any other individual or group, any one or more of the following: I. That people of one age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, marital status, familial status, mental or physical disability, religion, or national origin, are inherently superior or inferior to people of another age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, marital status, familial status, mental or physical disability, religion, or national origin; II. That an individual, by virtue of his or her age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, marital status, familial status, mental or physical disability, religion, or national origin is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously; III. That an individual should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment solely or partly because of his or her age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, marital status, familial status, mental or physical disability, religion, or national origin; or IV. That people of one age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, marital status, familial status, mental or physical disability, religion, or national origin cannot and should not attempt to treat others equally and/or without regard to age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, marital status, familial status, mental or physical disability, religion, or national origin. Source. 2021, 91:297, eff. June 25, 2021.

RSA 354-A:32 Prohibition on the Content of Government Programs and Speech.

354-A:32. Prohibition on the Content of Government Programs and Speech. No government program shall teach, advocate, or advance any one or more of the following: I. That people of one age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, marital status, familial status, mental or physical disability, religion, or national origin are inherently superior or inferior to people of another age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, marital status, familial status, mental or physical disability, religion, or national origin; II. That an individual, by virtue of his or her age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, marital status, familial status, mental or physical disability, religion, or national origin, is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously; III. That an individual should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment solely or partly because of his or her age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, marital status, familial status, mental or physical disability, religion, or national origin; or IV. That people of one age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, marital status, familial status, mental or physical disability, religion, or national origin cannot and should not attempt to treat others equally and/or without regard to age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, marital status, familial status, mental or physical disability, religion, or national origin. Source. 2021, 91:297, eff. June 25, 2021.

RSA 354-A:33 Protection for Public Employees.

354-A:33. Protection for Public Employees. No public employee shall be subject to any adverse employment action, warning, or discipline of any kind for refusing to participate in any training, program, or other activity at which a public employer or government program advocates, trains, teaches, instructs, or compels participants to express belief in, or support for, any one or more of the following: I. That people of one age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, marital status, familial status, mental or physical disability, religion, or national origin are inherently superior or inferior to people of another age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, marital status, familial status, mental or physical disability, religion, or national origin; II. That an individual, by virtue of his or her age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, marital status, familial status, mental or physical disability, religion, or national origin, is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously; III. That an individual should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment solely or partly because of his or her age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, marital status, familial status, mental or physical disability, religion, or national origin; or IV. That people of one age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, marital status, familial status, mental or physical disability, religion, or national origin cannot and should not attempt to treat others equally and/or without regard to age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, marital status, familial status, mental or physical disability, religion, or national origin. Source. 2021, 91:297, eff. June 25, 2021.

RSA 354-A:34 Remedies.

354-A:34. Remedies. Any person aggrieved by an act made unlawful under this subdivision may pursue all of the remedies available under RSA 354-A, RSA 491, RSA 275-E, or RSA 98-E, or any other applicable common law or statutory cause of action. Source. 2021, 91:297, eff. June 25, 2021.

RSA 354-A:35 Definition of Antisemitism.

354-A:35. Definition of Antisemitism. For purposes of this subdivision, the term "antisemitism" means the definition of antisemitism adopted on May 26, 2016, by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), including the examples of antisemitism set forth therein, and incorporated by reference in Presidential Executive Order Number 13899, 84 F.R. 68779, December 11, 2019. Source. 2024, 359:2, eff. Jan. 1, 2025.

RSA 354-A:36 Rule of Construction for Anti-discrimination Laws.

354-A:36. Rule of Construction for Anti-discrimination Laws. I. In reviewing, investigating, or determining whether there has been a violation of this chapter, RSA 651:6, I(f), or any law or regulation in the state of New Hampshire that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, creed, or national origin, and there is an allegation that the discriminatory conduct or practice targeted a group or an individual based on any actual or perceived connection to any aspect of Jewish identity, the relevant authorities charged with enforcing the relevant anti-discrimination statutes shall take into consideration the definition of antisemitism as part of the assessment of whether the alleged unlawful conduct or practice was motivated by antisemitic intent. Source. 2024, 359:2, eff. Jan. 1, 2025.

RSA 354-A:37 Applicability.

354-A:37. Applicability. I. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to diminish or infringe upon any right protected under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or Pt. I, Art. 22 of the constitution of the state of New Hampshire. II. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to diminish or infringe upon an individual's right to engage in legally protected conduct or expressive activity pertaining to any matter of United States foreign policy or international affairs. III. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to conflict with local, federal, or state discrimination laws. IV. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to alter the evidentiary requirements pursuant to which an agency or department makes a determination that conduct, including harassment, amounts to actionable discrimination, or to diminish or infringe upon the rights protected under any other provision of law. V. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect the authority granted by law to a department or agency. VI. This subdivision is not intended to and does not create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the state, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents. Source. 2024, 359:2, eff. Jan. 1, 2025.

RSA 354-A:38 Departmental Compliance.

354-A:38. Departmental Compliance. For the purposes of complying with this subdivision, with regard to any governmental anti-discrimination training, education, or monitoring requirements enforcing anti-discrimination laws that protect against discrimination on the basis of race, religion, or national origin, the heads of each agency or department shall include the definition of antisemitism in all relevant materials and modules dealing with discrimination and tolerance on the basis of race, religion, or national origin. Source. 2024, 359:2, eff. Jan. 1, 2025.

Source: New Hampshire General Court (gc.nh.gov)URL: https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/NHTOC/NHTOC-XXXI-354-A.htmFetched: 10/20/2026