Lawmakers in California are currently on summer recess and will return to the Capitol on August 18. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has reviewed the 2,789 bills circulating in the state legislature and narrowed its focus to 55 measures that impact small businesses, with one additional bill being monitored.
Of the 22 bills identified as beneficial for small businesses, NFIB reports that 16 are now effectively dead. The organization is also monitoring Senate Bill 237, which remains active. Among the 32 bills considered harmful to Main Street businesses, 14 have been effectively halted.
The legislative process in California allows for several methods by which a bill can be delayed or revived, including suspense files, gut-and-amend procedures, and trailer bills. Bills may also be stopped by not receiving a hearing before a deadline passes.
One example cited is Senate Bill 84, which would have given businesses 120 days to address minor violations of Americans With Disabilities Act requirements. Despite bipartisan support and passing the State Senate with a vote of 34-2, SB 84 did not advance after failing to receive a hearing in the Assembly. Tim Taylor, NFIB’s legislative director who was instrumental in advancing SB 84 through the Senate, commented: “If it dies in the light of day, that’s fine. That’s part of the process. 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 continues its outreach efforts by organizing roundtable meetings between small-business owners and legislators. A recent gathering took place with Assemblymember Juan Alanis at his Modesto district office on July 24.
A new report from Rebuild Local News and Muck Rack highlights a sharp decline in local journalism across the United States over the past quarter-century—from about 40 journalists per 100,000 residents to just over eight today. The report introduces “Local Journalist Equivalent” as a new measure similar to Full Time Equivalent (FTE). In California, Alpine, Colusa, Mono, Plumas, and Sutter counties were found to have some of the lowest levels of local news coverage.
Key upcoming dates include NFIB California’s Leadership Day at the Capitol on August 26 and several legislative deadlines through October.
On national issues affecting small business owners:
– Representative Warren Davidson (OH-08) referenced NFIB data in an op-ed supporting right-to-repair legislation: “The National Federation of Independent Business says 90% of its members support right-to-repair. It’s a no-brainer.”
– NFIB announced it will designate H.R. 3898—the Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today (PERMIT) Act—as an NFIB Key Vote for Congress.
– The latest episode of NFIB’s “Small Business Rundown” podcast features discussions on making permanent tax deductions for small businesses.
Further updates are available on NFIB’s website under their California section.
