Governor Signs Bill to Help Small Businesses Print E-mail
Michael BaumgartnerBill will require state agencies to pay more attention to the interests of small businesses.

Governor Chris Gregoire signed Senate Bill 5500, a measure that will help small businesses concerning costs imposed by agency rules. Senator Michael Baumgartner, R-Spokane, introduced this bill. 

Calling it a "commen sense bill," Baumgartner said there was unanimous support in both the House and the Senate.

"This measure will help make Washington an easier place for small businesses to operate and will keep our state more competitive, which is the only way to grow our economy," Baumgartner said.

This piece of legislation builds on the Regulatory Fairness Act, adopted in 1994 to protect small businesses from being disproportionately impacted by state regulations. Senate Bill 5500 requires agencies to consider specific methods to reduce the impact of proposed rule on small businesses. It also requres agencies to post small business economic impact statements online.

The Department of Commerce is also required - because of this bill - to assess the possible negative impact of new regulations on small businesses.