2021 Update on Small Business Legislation
Hello NFIB Members!
This message comes to you with hopes 2021 has started off with you in a position to grow your business. Last year was challenging in so many ways, it’s my hope this newsletter finds you healthy and charging forward.
NFIB has been working hard for you both at the Federal and State level, advocating for policies that best help small businesses navigate all the uncertainties this pandemic has brought. We continue to be the voice of small businesses at the state capitol during the 67th Legislative session which kicked off in January.
There are several bills that relate to small business that we are watching and advocating for, or against, to keep North Dakota a business-friendly state.
Thank you for letting us represent you on issues important to small business in North Dakota. Here is a snapshot of bills we are following so far:
HB 1087 – Reauthorizes the invisible reinsurance pool for the individual healthcare marketplace. Includes a study that would combine the individual marketplace and the small business marketplace to help control rates for small groups. This bill received a Do Pass recommendation out of committee and will be voted on soon in the House of Representatives. You can listen to testimony here.
HB 1147 – This bill would require fertility treatment to be included in health insurance plans in North Dakota. NFIB opposed similar legislation last session. This bill received a Do Pass recommendation out the House Industry Business and Labor Committee and has been referred to Appropriations. You can listen to testimony here.
HB 1175 – This is the main COVID-19 liability bill that a coalition of business groups, schools and hospitals have rallied behind. This bill relates to business immunity from COVID‑19 liability claims and provides for retroactive application. It passed the House on February 5. This bill passed the House of Representative. You can listen to testimony and the floor debate here.
HB 1341 – Increases the ND minimum wage each year until it reaches $15/hr. in 2027. This bill received a Do Not Pass recommendation in the Industry Business and Labor Committee and will be voted on soon in the House of Representatives. You can listen to testimony here.
HB 1374 – This bill ensures that any state or federal COVID-19 relief benefit is not considered taxable income. This bill received a Do Pass recommendation in the Finance and Taxation Committee and will be voted on soon in the House of Representatives. You can listen to testimony here.
HB 1433 – Creates a rebuttable presumption that an essential worker who contracts COVID-19 was exposed on the job and is therefore entitled to workers compensation coverage for the illness. This bill failed in the House of Representatives. You can listen to testimony and the floor debate here.
HB 1441– Creates a paid medical leave program. This bill was amended into a study on the issue and will be voted on soon in the House of Representatives. You can listen to testimony here.
HB 1464 – Increases fuel taxes. This bill received a Do Pass recommendation and will be voted on soon in the House of Representatives. You can listen to testimony here.
SB 2195 – Removes Governor’s authority to restrict businesses during an emergency. This bill failed in the Senate. You can listen to testimony and the floor debate here.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!
