The State of Maine has taken steps to reduce the regulatory burden on small firms and to make information about rulemaking available to the public. Governor John Baldacci signed LD 905, an act amending the Maine Administrative Procedure Act to strengthen safeguards for small businesses.
The new law directs regulating agencies to consider the economic impact of proposed regulations on Maine small businesses and to describe less burdensome alternatives that still accomplish the agency goal. The law also requires agencies to make this information available for public review before the public hearing on the regulation. If the economic analysis is not conducted, the rule may not go into effect.
"The State of Maine has taken an important step toward a more transparent agency regulatory culture by passing this law," said Thomas M. Sullivan, Chief Counsel for Advocacy, who attended the bill signing ceremony in Augusta. "In this measure, Maine's legislature has exemplified strong support for the small business community as well as for more rational and transparent regulation." The bill was sponsored by Representative Chris Rector of Thomaston. Sullivan praised Rector, as well as Senators Bromley, Raye, and Schneider, and Representatives Barstow, Beaudette, Robinson, Smith, Tardy, and Woodbury for cosponsoring the legislation.
Small businesses are a key part of Maine's economy. In 2005, according to Office of Advocacy research, 97.5 percent of Maine businesses were small businesses, employing 61.2 percent of the state's private work force.
"With the signing of this bill, Maine small businesses are assured a stronger voice in the development of state regulations that affect them," said Representative Chris Rector. "It is an important step in strengthening Maine's entrepreneurial environment."
The victory was achieved with the help of the Maine National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), led by David Clough, as well as the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Portland, and the Maine State Chamber of Commerce.
For more information, visit the Office of Advocacy website at www.sba.gov/advo.
Washington - June 21, 2007
Release Number: 07-23 ADVO
Contact: John McDowell, (202) 205-6941,
john.mcdowell@sba.gov
Information courtesy of the Small Business Administration.
