House Bill 1150 extends Smith’s two-day grace period legislation from 2010 session to seven days
Owners of small businesses received some additional breathing room in dealing with thousands of duplicate and confusing state agency rules and regulations as House Bill 1150, sponsored by Rep. Norma Smith, was signed into law.
The new law allows companies who unknowingly are out of compliance with a state agency rule or regulation seven calendar days to come into compliance without a financial or civil penalty. Protections in the bill ensure the violations in question do not endanger employees or the public. The bill is an extension of the two-day grace period bill Smith was able to get passed last session.
The state’s leading small business association, National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), praised Smith’s efforts on behalf of the state’s employers.
“House Bill 1150 allows small businesses a reasonable timeframe to correct unintentional rule violations before a fine or citation is issued, without jeopardizing workplace safety or health. We appreciate Representative Smith’s leadership and continuing efforts to improve our state’s regulatory climate to free up our small businesses to do what they do best — put people to work and grow our economy,” said Patrick Connor, NFIB’s Washington State Director.
Connor added he was pleased to work on Smith’s bill and said she continues to be one of the leader’s in the Legislature on small business issues.
“I would like to thank the National Federation of Independent Business and the Washington Policy Center for their research and assistance in moving this bill through the legislative process,” Smith R-Clinton. “Both these organizations are truly working for our employers and trying to make Washington a better place to do business and improve our economic climate.”
Smith added anything the Legislature can do to minimize the cost of doing business in Washington will help our employers keep their doors open while our economy remains stagnant.
“Small businesses provide jobs and support for our communities, families and individuals. They are the cornerstone of Washington state’s economy. It’s responsible and common-sense legislation that will provide much-needed relief and assistance,” said Smith. “I know there are a lot of hard-working business owners in my district and around the state. Anytime we can assist them with regulatory reform, and provide a more customer-service focus to enhance our economic climate, we need to take advantage of that opportunity.”
“This is just one small step, and it is imperative we continue work on policies to improve our business environment. State lawmakers must work together toward policies that keep our job-creators competitive, allow them to keep their doors open and get Washington working again,” Smith concluded.
The governor signed House Bill 1150 on April 11.
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Kurt Hammond, Public Information Officer, (360) 786-7794