Max Ordonez chairman of the NFIB California Leadership Council | Official Website
Max Ordonez chairman of the NFIB California Leadership Council | Official Website
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) California team in Sacramento has narrowed down 186 bills from the 2,358 introduced past the February 21 deadline that could impact small businesses. Among these, Senate Bill 84 stands out. Sponsored by Senators Roger Niello, Angelique Ashby, and Anna Caballero, it aims to protect small businesses from construction-related accessibility claims unless specific conditions are met.
In a letter supporting SB 84, NFIB highlighted concerns about how current laws allow certain attorneys to target small businesses for settlements over technical standards. "Due to California’s current statutory framework for construction-related accessibility claims," they noted, "businesses, especially small businesses, have been targeted by a limited group of attorneys to leverage settlements for technical construction-related standards."
Meanwhile, Senator Elena Durazo's Senate Bill 809 proposes changes affecting independent contractors. It challenges existing laws by stating that ownership of a vehicle or tools does not classify someone as an independent contractor. NFIB plans to oppose this bill.
On another front, California's Fast Food Council is under scrutiny. CalMatters reports that despite being established over a year ago to regulate fast food worker conditions and wages, it has made little progress in decision-making. The council is considering adjusting the $20 minimum wage set last April but has yet to vote on any policy decisions.
In federal news related to small businesses, NFIB expressed opposition to the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act of 2025 and supported Rep. Neal Dunn’s REPAIR Act aimed at boosting competition in the automotive repair industry.
A webinar featuring labor law expert Ben Ebbink will be held on March 20 for NFIB members to discuss important laws affecting small businesses in 2025.
Dan Walters reflected on his long career covering California politics: “California has nearly twice as many people as it did in 1975... Sadly, the Capitol’s ability — or willingness — to deal with the political issues arising out of those changes has diminished.”
The next Main Street Minute will be released on March 17.
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