Urges Texas Legislature to ensure small businesses only have one set of rules to follow statewide
AUSTIN (March 20, 2023) – A San Antonio small businesswoman, Lisa Fullerton, made her way to the state Capitol to testify in support of the Texas Regulatory Consistency Act (HB 2127), legislation that would provide greater consistency across the regulatory landscape. This was Fullerton’s third time testifying in support of legislation to limit the scope of commercial regulation to the state and federal levels.
During her testimony, Fullerton described how local mandates and city ordinances prompted her to begin advocating on behalf of fellow small business owners. She went on to call HB 2127 a ‘stay in your lane bill,’ and outline the pressures small business owners face:
“Government is not the only pressure [small businesses face]. I have landlords. I have two franchisors. I have got inflation. I’ve got mandates, as I run my business, that are outside the influence of government.
“So when we look at government mandates coming from a variety of different directions, often it feels like they come out of left field.”
Fullerton also emphasized that the bill does not strip cities of their power, but instead ensures they act within their jurisdiction:
“It’s my understanding cities are not losing their authority, or that this bill is usurping that. This is just to clarify that they’re doing things and recommending things that were never in their purview, to begin with.”
Finally, Fullerton urged the Legislature to pass HB 2127 to ensure Texas remains a place where small businesses can thrive:
“We hear often that Texas is the number one state to do business. And the number one state for small business owners. I feel that this is a chance for the state to get this right. […] “So, I’m asking you, imploring you to please help us get it across the finish line this session.”
Background:
CLICK HERE for more testimony from the hearing. CLICK HERE to learn more about the Texas Regulatory Consistency Act.
For the past several years, NFIB and members of the business community have sought to prohibit cities and counties from implementing policies that exceed or conflict with federal or state law related to employment leave, hiring practices, employment benefits, or scheduling practices. CLICK HERE to learn more.
