The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) California has reported a significant development concerning Senate Bill 310. The bill, which posed potential challenges to the recent Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) reforms, was halted before it could meet its June 6 deadline for passage in its house of origin. Senator Scott Wiener, who sponsored the bill, subsequently requested that it be moved to the inactive file.
“California’s small business owners cannot afford more litigation abuse. NFIB strongly urges a NO vote on SB 310 (Wiener),” stated Tim Taylor, NFIB California Policy Director, in a letter addressed to Democratic members of the Senate. The NFIB collaborated with 86 other business groups in issuing a joint Floor Alert to Senate members.
In other legislative news, several bills supported by the NFIB have passed their houses of origin. These include Senator Roger Niello’s SB 84, Senator Kelly Seyarto’s SB 70, Senator Anna Caballero’s SB 690, and Assemblymember Jessica Caloza’s AB 265.
However, not all developments have been favorable for small businesses. Seventeen bills perceived as detrimental to small enterprises have advanced to the opposite chamber. Among these are measures such as the Workplace Know Your Rights Act (SB 294), AB 692 facilitating civil action against employers, and SB 22 regarding gift certificate redemption.
As the state approaches its budget deadline on June 15, legislators face the challenge of addressing a $12 billion deficit for the fiscal year 2025-2026.
Additionally, Sacramento faces potential flood risks according to a report from First Street highlighted by the San Francisco Chronicle: “Few places in the U.S., if any, are more at risk of catastrophic flood than Sacramento.”
On a national level, Josselin Castillo from NFIB Federal Government Relations reports that Senate Majority Leader Thune plans to present a modified version of HR 1 for consideration by late June. The House’s tax reconciliation package aims to permanently increase the small business deduction from 20% to 23%.
The next update from NFIB California will be available on June 16.
