Lawmakers in California are currently on summer recess and will return to session on August 18. In the meantime, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) is preparing for its annual Leadership Day at the Capitol, scheduled for August 26.
A recent Politico California Playbook report highlighted Senator Scott Wiener’s and Assemblymember Buffy Wicks’ efforts to accelerate housing construction through legislative reforms. The report noted that incoming Senate President Pro Tem Monique Limón, known for her environmental advocacy, is expected to make changes in committee leadership related to these reforms.
California businesses have been required since July 1, 2024, to implement workplace violence prevention plans. NFIB opposed Senate Bill 553, which established this requirement but now encourages employers who have not yet complied to review guidance provided by NFIB and legal experts. “Most employers in California must establish a written Workplace Violence Prevention Plan, train employees and supervisors on workplace violence matters, maintain a violence incident log, and keep records of all training and violent workplace incidents that occur,” according to attorney Hannah Sweiss.
Additionally, starting July 1, 2025, domestic workers employed by companies—including housecleaners, caregivers, and gardeners—will be covered by state workplace safety laws for the first time. Previously, these protections did not extend to individuals performing household domestic work.
NFIB continues its advocacy against what it describes as “shakedown lawsuits” targeting small businesses over Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance issues. A Portland TV station reported on legal practices involving out-of-town lawyers seeking settlements from business owners. State Senator Roger Niello introduced Senate Bill 84 to allow small businesses time to correct ADA violations before facing lawsuits; however, the bill was not given a hearing in the Assembly despite bipartisan support in the Senate. “If it dies in the light of day, that’s fine. That’s part of the process,” said Tim Taylor, NFIB’s legislative director. “But for it to die in darkness, that’s a problem, and that’s what leaves a really bad taste in everyone’s mouth.” NFIB has pledged continued efforts on this issue.
Tim Taylor also commented on California’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund situation: “We still haven’t seen any real accountability with respect to the fraudulent claims paid out by the [California Employment Development Department] and yet the state’s UI debt surges while struggling small businesses are forced to make the minimum payment on the state’s maxed-out credit card,” he told The Center Square.
The impact of social media influencers on small businesses was discussed following incidents where negative online posts led to significant consequences for local establishments. According to The San Francisco Standard: “It’s one thing to rant at Southwest Airlines on X or confront Chipotle over its allegedly stingy burrito bowls…but it’s a different beast when influencers attack mom-and-pop operations that lack in-house crisis-management teams.” Eater also reported how online reactions contributed to a wine bar closing after an influencer post went viral.
NFIB reports that most small businesses have their own websites; its Small Business Rundown offers advice about using social media effectively for growth.
On September 9th this year marks California’s 175th anniversary as a state.
In national news relevant to small business owners:
– There are currently 169 House and 31 Senate cosponsors supporting legislation aimed at eliminating certain federal reporting requirements for small businesses.
– NFIB staff participated in multiple interviews regarding these regulatory issues.
– Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg and Director Peter Hansen published op-eds addressing recession concerns.
– The NFIB Small Business Legal Center released its July Docket showing participation in seven Supreme Court cases this term—over ten percent of total cases heard.
The next edition of Main Street Minute will be available August 11.
