The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) California released its latest Main Street Minute, outlining legislative developments and advocacy efforts relevant to small business owners in the state. The update covers issues from universal health care proposals to ongoing federal litigation and the introduction of new bills as the legislative deadline approaches.
NFIB California is participating in a challenge against a ban by the California Air Resources Board on gas-powered equipment such as leaf blowers and generators. This legal action highlights concerns about restricting tools needed for disaster response.
Assemblyman Ash Kalra has introduced Assembly Bill 1900, which seeks to establish the California Guaranteed Health Care for All Act, known as CalCare. According to AB 1900’s text, “This bill, the California Guaranteed Health Care for All Act, would create the California Guaranteed Health Care for All program, or CalCare, to provide comprehensive universal single-payer health care coverage and a health care cost control system for the benefit of all residents of the state.”
Despite high rates of insurance coverage in California—nearly 95% according to a recent analysis—health insurance costs remain a top concern among small business owners. NFIB’s research indicates that more than half of small employers offer health insurance but cite expense as the main barrier for those who do not. Tyler Deaver, NFIB principal for federal government relations, stated in congressional testimony: “Since the turn of the century, premiums have risen more than 120%, while the number of insurers willing to offer small group coverage has sharply declined. This is not the result of a competitive marketplace failing, but rather the predictable outcome of a highly-regulated system that rewards consolidation and enforces rigid mandates … This has left small businesses with fewer choices, higher prices, and hardly any negotiating power. Nine out of every ten health care dollars now flow through a third-party payer.”
When surveyed on whether private insurance should be replaced with a government-run single-payer system in California, 89% of NFIB members opposed it.
As lawmakers approach their February 20 deadline for introducing new legislation in 2026, NFIB reports an increase in measures it will track or respond to this session. Supported bills include Senate Bill 84 (Niello), which limits liability if certain violations are corrected within 120 days; and Senate Bill 885 (Strickland), which requires legislative authorization before major regulations are adopted by state agencies.
Opposed bills include Assembly Bill 1421 (Wilson), requiring research into road user charges or mileage-based fees; and Senate Bill 555 (Caballero), mandating adjustments to workers’ compensation benefits based on federal cost-of-living changes.
NFIB also continues its support for reforms targeting predatory lawsuits under ADA and Prop 65 statutes while seeking feedback from business owners affected by such litigation.
Quotations included perspectives from various sources regarding budget stability concerns at both state and national levels as well as anticipated high-profile ballot measures involving rideshare companies like Uber.
On national matters, NFIB led trade associations urging Congress to reduce regulatory burdens on small businesses. Dylan Rosnick noted: “Without Congressional action … small businesses will suffer from the regulatory pendulum swings that make long-term planning and investments so difficult.” Additionally, Beth Milito commented on pending legal actions over EPA decisions: “It is unconscionable to endanger California citizens further by leaving them with insufficient tools when disaster strikes.”
NFIB California acts as an advocate for over 35,000 small business owners across the state through legislative engagement and resources designed to protect their interests against excessive regulation and taxation (source). The organization continues its outreach via updates like these Main Street Minutes (source).
The next Main Street Minute will be published February 23.
