With an array of new California laws taking effect this year, questions persist about how meaningful liability reform will be considered in 2022, particularly as supply chain issues and the new Omicron variant increase concerns about economic recovery.
“We are cautiously optimistic that Democrats and Republicans alike would understand the need to give our small business owners some reforms, like noticing requirements, and a right-to-correct period,” John Kabateck, California state director with the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), told the Northern California Record. “We aren't giving up our quest to give these small employers at least an opportunity to fix known problems before shaking them down in a court of law.”
NFIB California has had discussions with other business leaders about how to reform the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), a law that’s only in California, including support of Californians for Fair Pay and Accountability’s November 2022 ballot measure.
“NFIB recognizes legal reform as a paramount issue,” Kabateck said, adding that NFIB has also spoken with Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Laguna Beach), chair of the Select Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, about ways to better streamline small business regulations, including opportunities to create a database and access portal.
“For small business owners and anyone to better understand all of what is expected of Main Street business owners, but in a more central location,” Kabateck said.
A bill concerning potential mask mandates for businesses may also be put forth in the new legislative session, Kabateck said.
“There has to be a better discussion about how to make this work for a healthy workplace, but also so that you're not crushing small businesses with more mandates,” Kabateck said.
Kabateck noted the new legislative session will also involve discussion of the port situation and supply chain crisis. As of Friday, state data showed more than 100 cargo ships idle off the Southern California coast.
And there is hope state leaders move forward on addressing organized retail theft and revisiting potential fixes to Proposition 47, Kabateck said.
“We’re pleading with our leaders to responsibly and aggressively address the terrible retail and residential property crimes that are affecting Main Street,” Kabateck said. “It needs to be addressed head on, to hold these thugs more accountable, to deter them from these heinous acts, and protect these small businesses and residents from these terrible thefts.”