This wage and hour Law Firm Publication by McLane, Graf, Raulerson & Middleton, Professional Association discusses two New Hampshire bills (HB 1188 and the Paycheck Fairness Act) recently signed into law by Governor Maggie Hassan. HB 1188 prohibits employers from discharging, disciplining or otherwise discriminating against any employee who discloses his wages, salaries or paid benefits. HB 1188 takes effect on January 1, 2015. The Paycheck Fairness Act prevents employers from paying employees of one sex a lower rate than is paid to employees of the other sex for equal work. Equal work requires equal skill, effort and responsibility and must be performed under similar working conditions by employees of both sexes. An exception exists if the pay decision is made under seniority, merit or performance-based systems, or a system measuring earnings by quantity or quality of protection.