Golden State Today

The NFIB California Main Street Minute for March 17-21 provides updates on various issues affecting small businesses in the state. A webinar scheduled for Thursday, March 20, will feature Ben Ebbink, a labor and employment law attorney, discussing significant laws for 2025 and ongoing compliance issues. Ebbink is a partner at Fisher & Phillips LLP and has extensive experience in labor law.

In legislative news, Augie Venezia, an NFIB member and owner of Fairfax Lumber & Hardware, will testify in support of Senate Bill 2 before the Senate Environmental Quality Committee on Wednesday, March 19. The bill aims to void certain amendments to the Low-Carbon Fuel Standard regulations that could increase gasoline prices. Tim Taylor from NFIB highlighted concerns about economic impacts on small businesses.

A report from the Los Angeles Times discusses budget balancing efforts by the governor involving funds from a climate bond approved by voters. The use of these funds raises questions about future budget practices.

The Orange County Register reports on brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), a technology advancing into consumer spaces beyond healthcare. Senator Tom Umberg has introduced Senate Bill 44 to regulate the use of neural data collected by companies.

Key dates include Cesar Chavez Day on March 31 and upcoming legislative sessions and breaks through September.

Nationally, NFIB's Federal Government Relations Principal Josselin Castillo shares updates including a podcast episode featuring discussions on the Corporate Transparency Act and federal reporting requirements. Additionally, NFIB supports Rep. Neal Dunn's REPAIR Act aimed at increasing competition in automotive repair.

The next Main Street Minute will be available on March 24.