Golden State Today

The NFIB California Main Street Minute marks its fifth anniversary this week. Originally conceived by Sunder Ramani, a member of the NFIB California Leadership Council, the idea was revitalized five years ago by Nate Haderlie from Kabateck Strategies. Since January 27, 2020, the Main Street Minute has been featured weekly on the NFIB website and bi-monthly in eNews sent to members. It aims to highlight legislative actions impacting small businesses in California.

Suggestions for improvement can be sent to Anthony.Malandra@nfib.org, and members interested in media or lobbying efforts are encouraged to contact Grassroots Manager Taylor.Criddle@nfib.org.

In other news, a ballot initiative for California's secession has qualified for signature gathering. Marcus Ruiz Evans leads Cal Exit Now and needs over half a million signatures by July 22 to place the question on the November 2028 ballot. Dan Walters from CalMatters notes that if successful, California could be comparable to Canada as an independent nation. The American Historical Association states there is no constitutional basis for state secession.

Additionally, two measures have qualified for the November 2026 ballot: Assembly Constitutional Amendment 13 (ACA 13) concerning voter approval requirements for initiatives amending the Constitution, and Senate Constitutional Amendment 1 (SCA 1) addressing recall election procedures.

Legislative developments include Assembly Bill 234 concerning FAIR Plan governance due to wildfire insurance issues, Assembly Bill 238 on mortgage forbearance due to wildfires, Senate Bill 2 targeting amendments to Low-Carbon Fuel Standard regulations, Senate Bill 17 excluding tips from income taxes starting next year, and Senate Bill 22 about gift certificate cash redemption.

John Kabateck of NFIB emphasizes focusing on aiding wildfire victims before assigning blame. He recommends Jess Lander’s insights on coping with wildfire aftermath.

Longtime NFIB member Cliff Luengo passed away recently. John Kabateck praised his contributions to their community.

On national matters, Josselin Castillo reports that the U.S. Supreme Court lifted a hold on BOI reporting requirements following an NFIB lawsuit. Businesses should prepare their information despite current non-requirement due to another injunction in Texas. NFIB advocates repealing Beneficial Ownership Requirements permanently and supports reintroduced legislation making Small Business Tax Deductions permanent.