Golden State Today

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) California team has announced a conference call scheduled for February 25, aimed at providing resources to small business owners affected by wildfires. The call will include participation from NFIB, LA BizFed, and a representative from the governor’s office of small business advocacy. Tim Taylor, NFIB CA’s Policy Director, will update participants on current legislation and regulations impacting small businesses. For those unable to attend, the session will be recorded and made available on the NFIB website.

In other news, special primary elections are set to take place tomorrow in California's Assembly District 32 and Senate District 36 to fill legislative vacancies. These elections follow Vince Fong's election to Congress and Janet Nguyen's move to the Orange County Board of Supervisors. The general election is scheduled for April 29.

A recent analysis by the Center for Jobs & The Economy has raised concerns about Senate Bill 222. This proposed law would allow lawsuits for climate-related damages against entities associated with fossil fuel products dating back to 1965. According to the analysis, this could lead to significant legal costs that might affect consumers who have used these products.

San Francisco officials are proposing new measures to revitalize downtown areas impacted by retail theft and crime. Mayor Daniel Lurie and State Senator Scott Wiener are supporting legislation that would increase liquor licenses available for bars and restaurants in specified zones of San Francisco.

On a national level, NFIB Federal Government Relations Principal Josselin Castillo reported on several issues affecting small businesses. These include reinstating beneficial ownership information reporting requirements and efforts supporting the Death Tax Repeal Act. Additionally, a new health care policy paper highlights challenges facing employer-provided health coverage for small businesses.

NFIB Vice President Jeff Brabant discussed repealing corporate transparency laws on various radio programs nationwide. Meanwhile, an amicus brief was filed in a Supreme Court case concerning legislative power delegation.

NFIB also hosted its first Small Business Deduction Summit of 2025 in Washington D.C., focusing on preventing tax hikes on small businesses.

The next edition of Main Street Minute is expected on March 3rd.