Old North News

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) in North Carolina announced its intent to key-vote Senate Bill 290, also known as the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act. This legislation aims to enhance transparency and accountability in state rulemaking processes by requiring legislative approval for certain new rules affecting small businesses.

According to Gregg Thompson, the NFIB State Director, "By key-voting SB 290, we’re informing Senate and House members that North Carolina’s small business owners overwhelmingly support this critical legislation and that we’ll report every vote on this bill to our members, their constituents."

Senate Bill 290 proposes that any new state rule with a projected economic impact of $1 million or more within a year should only become effective after receiving explicit approval from the General Assembly. Thompson emphasized the importance of this measure, stating, "This added oversight gives lawmakers, small businesses, and other employers a clearer picture of significant regulatory costs, both direct and indirect, before they are enacted."

He further noted the importance of regulatory certainty for small businesses, saying, "Main Street deserves greater certainty and a fair process in rulemaking. By key-voting SB 290, we’re telling lawmakers that regulatory transparency is essential to ensuring a strong economy."

This initiative reflects NFIB's commitment to advocating for the interests of small businesses in the face of regulatory changes. Senate Bill 290 represents an effort to bolster legislative oversight and enhance economic certainty for businesses operating in the state.