A California Chamber of Commerce-supported job creator bill providing small businesses with the tools and resources needed to comply with California’s regulations will be heard in an Assembly policy committee today.
AB 912 (Obernolte; R-Big Bear Lake) recognizes challenges small businesses face in implementing state rules by allowing adjustment of civil penalties for mitigating factors.
California’s complex regulatory scheme is challenging for all employers, but especially small businesses. In recognizing this challenge, California has provided the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) as a resource for small employers to obtain information regarding various obstacles that small businesses face.
AB 912 would further assist small businesses in navigating the regulations in California so that they can comply and grow their business without facing costly enforcement actions for inadvertent mistakes.
Specifically, AB 912 will require state agencies that adopt regulations to help small businesses understand and comply with those regulations, adopt policies which consider mitigating circumstances—such as the small business cooperating with authorities and the violation not posing an imminent threat—in assessing penalties against small businesses when there has been a violation. This penalty relief will grant the small employer equitable relief from burdensome administrative penalties.
The growth of small businesses in California is a key component to maintaining a strong economy. By helping small businesses comply with California regulations, AB 912 will help ensure such growth.
Action Needed
The CalChamber is encouraging members to contact their Assembly representatives to urge them to support AB 912 as a job creator.
AB 912 is scheduled to be considered by the Assembly Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy Committee on March 28.
Staff Contact: Marti Fisher
