A bill introduced by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) would bolster the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) capacity to assist small businesses facing excessive or unfair regulatory actions.
The Small Business Regulatory Relief Act enhances the SBA’s Office of the National Ombudsman to serve more small businesses and better represent their interests before federal agencies.
SBA’s Office of the National Ombudsman was created in 1996 to help small businesses overcome unfair regulatory enforcement actions by federal agencies, including repetitive audits, investigations or excessive fines. The office works directly with federal agencies across the government to review complaints made by small businesses, reduce or waive penalties, and reverse unfair agency decisions.
“Poorly crafted or unclear federal regulations are a real burden for small businesses, hurting their ability to grow, innovate and create jobs,” Shaheen said. “Unlike large businesses, small firms do not have the time, money or personnel to devote to complying with complex or confusing federal rules. This legislation increases SBA’s capacity to level the compliance playing field with some much-needed assistance for small businesses.”
In 2015, the ombudsman assisted more than 400 small businesses and responded to thousands of written and phone inquiries.
The bill specifically empowers SBA’s Office of the National Ombudsman to enhance outreach to small businesses. Most small businesses are unaware of the Ombudsman’s services, Shaheen said.
It also would enable the office to develop best practice guidelines for agencies to help small businesses comply with rules through training webinars, compliance guides, and improved customer service.
It would additionally expand the ability of the Ombudsman to help small businesses selling to the federal government, helping them navigate complex regulations established by each agency.