Sponsor asks that legislative service count toward federal loan-forgiveness and seeks employer protections for members

Representative Ellen Reed told the committee HB 605 would (1) allow state legislative service to be certified as qualifying public service for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program and (2) protect legislators from employer discipline for attending session or committee duties with notice.

"W-2s only exist for employees," Reed told the committee while reviewing how legislators receive a small statutory stipend and W-2 tax reporting; she said other states certify legislative service for PSLF and urged New Hampshire do the same to make it easier for younger, working people to serve.

Nut graf: The committee explored whether certification is an administrative act or whether it would require a statutory direction to clerks and administrative officers. Paul Smith, Clerk of the House, reported many states already certify service for PSLF and that clerks maintain records (paper logbooks and spreadsheets) showing where bills and documents have been transferred; the Department of Labor confirmed enforcement provisions for the employment-protection language and the civil penalty and investigation authority were fit within existing RSA 2:73 and RSA 2:75 frameworks.

Members asked whether administrative fixes at clerks27 offices could resolve PSLF certification without new law; several members recommended a clean statutory directive to avoid inconsistent local practice. The Department of Labor indicated the bill's employment-protection enforcement could be handled under its current authority and noted a first-instance warning with a 30-day cure and subsequent civil penalties up to $2,500.

Ending: Committee asked for follow-up information on administrative options and a concise statutory draft; the sponsor agreed to provide written points and to coordinate draft language with clerks and the Department of Labor.