2020 Small Business Reform Act: petitions to adopt, amend, or repeal regulations.
If enacted, AB 3368 would significantly modify the responsibilities of the Small Business Advocate, expanding its role to include providing counsel and recommendations to state agencies regarding the regulations that affect small businesses. Moreover, it requires state agencies to enhance their online presence by including clear, detailed information on how small businesses can submit petitions. These changes aim to reduce barriers for small business owners and improve their ability to influence state regulations that impact their operations.
Assembly Bill 3368, known as the 2020 Small Business Reform Act, seeks to enhance the support available to small businesses in California by streamlining the process through which they can petition for changes to regulations. The bill mandates that state agencies provide guidance and technical support to small businesses when they file petitions aimed at adopting, amending, or repealing regulations. By reinforcing the role of the Small Business Advocate and the small business liaisons within state agencies, the legislation aims to represent small business interests more effectively across various governmental platforms.
Overall, the sentiment surrounding AB 3368 is largely favorable among small business advocates and industry stakeholders. Many support the bill as a vital step towards creating a more accessible regulatory environment that is responsive to the needs of small business owners. However, some critics may raise concerns regarding the enforcement and implementation of these new responsibilities within state agencies, particularly regarding the potential for variations in compliance across different departments.
Debates surrounding AB 3368 may center on the adequacy of support that agencies can provide, given resource constraints and existing workloads. There's also a discussion about the effectiveness of the proposed changes in actually facilitating the desired changes in regulatory frameworks. Additionally, while many advocate for the increased ability of small businesses to petition and influence regulations, the efficacy of these measures in truly advancing small business interests remains a point of contention.