Rhode Island House Bill H5975

Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/1/23
• Refer: 3/1/23
• Report Pass: 5/9/23

Caption

Small Business Advocacy Council

Impact

This change is intended to improve the council's ability to advocate for small businesses and represent their interests more effectively. By increasing the number of public members, the council can draw from a broader spectrum of experiences and perspectives, potentially leading to more informed recommendations and actions. The bill seeks to ensure that the voices of small business owners are adequately heard in state government, particularly as it pertains to economic development strategies and policies that directly affect them.

Summary

House Bill 5975 focuses on amending the Small Business Advocacy Council in order to enhance its composition and functioning. The proposed legislation adjusts the membership structure by increasing the number of public members appointed to the council from ten to thirteen, thus aiming to diversify representation on issues pertinent to small businesses in Rhode Island. The members include individuals involved with small businesses or non-profit corporations, ensuring that the composition is directly connected to the interests of the community it serves.

Contention

While the bill aims to bolster support for small businesses, it may not be without contention. Some stakeholders may question the effectiveness of increasing membership as a solution to long-standing challenges faced by small businesses. There may be concerns regarding whether simply changing the council's composition will result in substantive policy changes or whether deeper systemic issues need to be addressed to foster a more business-friendly environment. Additionally, the appointment process for the new members could raise concerns about political influence on the council's objectivity.