To amend the Small Business Act to modify application deadlines and communication requirements for certain disaster assistance, and for other purposes.
Impact
The legislation is expected to have a significant impact on state laws governing small business operations, particularly in areas affected by disasters. By enhancing the accessibility of federal assistance, HB9609 is designed to support small businesses by providing a more straightforward pathway for securing necessary resources in the aftermath of disasters. An effectively implemented bill could improve the economic resilience of communities heavily reliant on small businesses by ensuring they receive timely support during critical periods.
Summary
House Bill 9609 aims to amend the Small Business Act by modifying the application deadlines and communication requirements for certain disaster assistance programs. The primary goal of the bill is to streamline the process through which small businesses can access federal disaster aid, making it more efficient and user-friendly. This adjustment reflects an understanding of the challenges that small business owners face during times of crisis, where timely financial assistance can be crucial for survival and recovery.
Contention
While the bill is largely viewed as a positive step towards aiding small businesses, some points of contention have been raised among legislators and stakeholders. Critics argue that the modifications could lead to potential gaps in relevant communication, particularly in ensuring that all eligible businesses are adequately informed of changes in application processes. There are concerns that a streamlined process could inadvertently exclude businesses that may not have the resources to stay updated on changes, particularly those in underserved communities.
To amend the Small Business Act to modify application deadlines and communication requirements for certain disaster assistance, and for other purposes.
To amend the Small Business Act to reauthorize and modify the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Research programs, and for other purposes.
To amend section 7(b) of the Small Business Act to make disaster loans available for damages caused by prolonged power outages, and for other purposes.
To amend the Small Business Act to modify the application of price evaluation preference for qualified HUBZone small business concerns to certain contracts, and for other purposes.
To amend the Small Business Act to include surviving children in the definition of small business concern owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans, and for other purposes.