Legislation to Support New Jersey Small Businesses

Bills are part of Speaker Coughlin’s small business legislative package

On Mar 21, 2023

Gov. Phil Murphy yesterday signed three bills into law to support New Jersey small businesses. A-4748/S-3195 and A-4749/S-3204 enhance the customer service experience at the New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC) by establishing a publicly available small business manual and collecting and disseminating customer assistance metrics and information, respectively. A-4753/S-3208 allows a cure period for businesses to address and resolve certain violations. Together, these bills are expected to make life easier for small business owners while bolstering New Jersey’s standing as an attractive place for starting and growing a business.

“Today, we underscore once again that economic opportunity is abundant and accessible in New Jersey, especially for the small businesses that line our main streets and undergird our local communities,” said Murphy. “I thank Assembly Speaker Coughlin for leading the preparation of this comprehensive bill package, which will ensure that we continue to respond to the needs and concerns of small business owners as effectively as possible. This legislation will enable us to attract, retain, and inspire small businesses to expand in a state that remains at the national forefront of economic vitality and innovation.”

According to Michele Siekerka, president and CEO of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association, “The laws signed by Gov. Murphy are great steps to help bring flexibility and ease the challenges of running a business in the state of New Jersey.

“Cementing the strong work of the NJBAC by statute is a positive. And the signing of bill A-4753, in particular, will allow the state to be less heavy-handed when regulating small businesses which may have committed a minor rule violation.

“We thank the governor, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and other sponsors for working with the business community as part of a larger bill package to help small businesses. We look forward to working with the Legislature and Governor Murphy’s office to bring more affordability to our small businesses,” Siekerka said.

“Helping New Jersey’s small businesses thrive and grow was one of the top priorities we identified at the outset of this session. These bills are essential to our efforts. We thank the Governor for signing these bills,” said Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. “We also appreciate the valuable insights provided by business leaders to the Assembly members who crafted this legislation. From mom-and-pop shops to our tech start-ups, small businesses contribute to the unique and defining character that make New Jersey communities the kinds of places people want to live and raise a family.”

“As inflationary pressures and other economic uncertainties continue to linger for business owners in New Jersey, the last thing they need to worry about is a steep fine or punishment for a minor, often unintentional violation. This law [A-4753/S-3208] will give them a little breathing room and reasonable extra time to come into full compliance,” said Senator Vin Gopal.

“Starting a small business and making a go of it, especially in that first year, can be daunting. Given our uncertain economic climate, even the most well thought out business plans can go awry. Fortunately though, there is useful information available to help new businesses navigate those challenges and gain a solid foothold for future success,” said Senator Andrew Zwicker.

“For small business owners, the fines associated with minor violations can be a significant setback,” said Assemblyman Roy Freiman. “By giving businesses the opportunity to fix harmless mistakes without being subjected to penalties, we make good on our commitment to create an environment that attracts new businesses to our State and allows those already here to prosper.”

“Being a good steward of taxpayer money means we need to maximize our investments into programs, like the Small Business Improvement Grant,” said Assemblyman Paul Moriarty.

To access more business news, visit NJB News Now.

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