NFIB State Director Nathan Humphrey today thanked the Georgia Senate for passing SB200 and urged the House to approve the measure, which guarantees a business owner’s right to remain open during a pandemic or other health emergency if they follow the government’s safety protocols.
“SB200 would create a clear pathway to staying open and avoid cutting jobs in a crisis,” Humphrey said. “Governor Kemp avoided this during the COVID-19 pandemic, but Sen. Jason Anavitarte’s bill will ensure Georgia avoids a situation where it appears state officials are picking winners and losers. Other states had situations where big discount stores were deemed ‘essential’ just because they happened to also sell groceries while so-called ‘nonessential’ businesses had to close because they didn’t sell milk and bread.
“This is commonsense legislation that would let businesses remain open as long as they follow the government’s guidelines, regardless of whether they’re a grocery store or fitness center,” Humphrey said. “We hope the House follows the Senate and passing SB200 so Governor Kemp can sign it into law as quickly as possible.”