CA Independent Businesses Are Being Threatened (Again)!

August 31, 2023

CA Independent Businesses Are Being Threatened (Again)!

The ability of California’s small, medium, and start-up companies to market and grow their businesses is currently being threatened at the State Capitol. NFIB California is working to stop yet another piece of devastating legislation. Senate Bill 362, now pending before the State Legislature, will allow consumer data used to reach potential customers to be completely swept away with click of a button. Access to this data is especially critical to small and independent businesses that rely on it as an affordable way to conduct cost-effective, targeted marketing to key audiences. Without access to this data to conduct consumer outreach, these businesses will once again be relegated to the sidelines, giving larger companies even more ability to crush smaller competitors. SB 362 will also harm consumers. Much of the data that would be impacted by the mass deletion called for in the bill is used in anti-fraud efforts and for identity verification services, both important consumer protections. It would also wipe out data used in consumer loyalty programs and many other services that benefit consumers. Not only is SB 362 unfair to smaller and burgeoning businesses and consumers, but it is also completely unnecessary. Under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) consumers already have the right to request that businesses delete their personal information. Adding the provisions of SB 362 will cause confusion and costly regulatory redundancy. As California’s independent businesses work to recover from the damage inflicted by the pandemic response and these challenging economic times, the last thing we need is legislation that will further harm your ability to thrive. NFIB strongly opposes SB 362 and will work to have it stopped in its tracks before causes further harm to the backbone of California’s economy.