WASHINGTON (Oct. 6, 2006) — Groups such as the Specialty Equipment Market Association, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce support the Small Business Paperwork Amnesty Act, which would excuse small businesses from most fines related to minor, first-time mistakes in federally mandated regulatory compliance paperwork.
Businesses with 20 or fewer employees already pay an average of $7.647 per employee annually to comply with federal paperwork. To allow them to correct mistakes without facing hefty fines is simply basic fairness, the NFIB told the House Government Reform Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs Sept. 26.
Congress adjourned before any vote could be taken on the bill, and it is unlikely it will be considered during the lame-duck session after the Nov. 7 election.