NFIB State Director Rosemary Elebash today applauded the Legislature for passing two COVID-19-related bills that promise to bring much-needed financial relief to Alabama’s small business. 

SB 30, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr (Decatur), would protect employers who follow the government’s COVID-19 guidelines from frivolous lawsuits. HB 170, sponsored by Rep. Danny Garrett (Trussville) would exempt COVID-19-related loans, grants and other benefits from state taxes. Gov. Kay Ivey is expected to sign both bills.

“Our members are truly grateful to the Legislature for passing both of these very important bills,” Elebash said. 

“Small businesses that follow the government’s guidelines to protect their customers and employees should be protected from baseless claims related to the pandemic,” Elebash said. “Bad actors should be held liable, but employers who follow the rules and do the right thing should be shielded.

“Our members are also relieved that lawmakers passed HB 170. HB 170 means small business owners will avoid a ‘surprise tax’ on COVID-19 recovery payments,” Elebash said. 

“It’s been an incredibly difficult 10 months for employers in general and small businesses in particular,” Elebash said. “These bills would help relieve some of the financial pressure on small businesses and make it that much easier for them to recover fully and avoid layoffs or having to close their doors.”