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House indefinitely postpones HB 238 aimed at banning compulsory union membership after floor debate
Summary
On Feb. 6 the House voted to indefinitely postpone House Bill 238 — legislation often described as a right‑to‑work measure — after extended debate. The indefinite postponement motion passed 200–180; one member recused.
Representative Steven Pearson moved and spoke for indefinite postponement of House Bill 238 during the Feb. 6 floor session, arguing the proposal to eliminate forced union‑membership conditions was unnecessary given existing New Hampshire law and recent political developments.
Pearson opened by saying, “There’s been a tremendous amount of misinformation on this issue lately. So let's look at some facts,” and cited RSA 275:1, which he read as prohibiting coercion or compulsion into union membership as a condition of employment and noted that statute dates to 1949. He urged colleagues to indefinitely postpone the bill.
Representative Creighton rose in opposition to the postponement and described the proposal as “not anti union. It is pro worker,” asking members to vote against indefinite postponement so the bill could proceed. Multiple members sought a roll‑call vote; the House held a roll‑call on the indefinite‑postponement motion.
The roll‑call result: 200 in favor of indefinite postponement, 180 opposed. Representative Dennis Mannion declared a conflict and excused himself from the vote. With passage of the indefinite‑postponement motion, HB 238 will not advance at this time.
The debate included arguments that New Hampshire statute already bars forced union membership, testimony on union apprenticeship programs and wages, and counterarguments that passage would give workers more choice. The House record shows the indefinite‑postponement motion was decided by a roll call and that the motion carried.
