
Assemblyman's Bill
Protects Small Businesses
From Onerous Penalties
April 4, 2019____ California State Assemblyman
Jay Obernolte’s (R-Hesperia) Bill 1545 to allow state agencies discretion when
enforcing monetary penalties for regulatory infractions on small businesses
passed, out of the Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy Committee this
week.
“Over-regulation and excessive fines are forcing
many California entrepreneurs out of business,” Assemblyman Obernolte said. “My
Bill will give state agencies the discretion to waive fines for first-time
violations if the mistake was inadvertent and the business owner is
cooperating. For minor regulatory infractions, we should be working with owners
to ensure that these businesses can keep their doors open and provide
much-needed jobs to our communities.”
Assembly Bill 1545 will permit state agencies to
help small businesses comply with state regulations. It will require state
agencies to develop policies that allow for a reduction of penalties under
certain circumstances. Discretion may be given in cases where the small
business is a first-time offender, the small business takes action to correct
the violation, and the small business is unable to pay the fine and might close
because the penalty is too severe.
Assembly Bill 1545 will next be heard Wednesday,
April 24th, in the Accountability and Administrative Review
Committee.
