Last week, the Massachusetts legislature commenced with hearings after a very slow start to the year. NFIB provided testimony on two bills.

NFIB raised concerns with data privacy legislation before the Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet, and Cyber Security that could expose employers to lawsuits. While we know many small business owners understandably want their own data kept private, NFIB stressed the legislation creates a new private right of action. Essentially the bills in their current form could open small businesses to frivolous lawsuits. A more acceptable alternative for a data security law is to allow Attorney General enforcement instead.

NFIB also supported a bill before the Joint Committee on Judiciary that would amend the state constitution prohibiting eminent domain land takings for economic development, commercial enterprise, or private use. Forty-seven other states have taken action to limit eminent domain powers since the Kelo vs. New London Supreme Court case, NFIB encouraged lawmakers to have Massachusetts join with the rest of the nation to prevent the practice of taking private property from some private citizens without their consent and transferring it to other private parties.

Finally, NFIB’s campaign asserting that Beacon Hill Broke It, Beacon Hill Should Fix It, regarding the fractured state UI system. The radio ads, digital ads, and prints ads have officially ended but we will continue stressing the need to reform the state UI system, especially focusing on lax eligibility and highest in the nation benefits. We will continue to urge members to contact their legislators on the need to pass reforms to support small business! Visit protectmassachusettssmallbusiness.org to learn more.