The bill amends existing laws related to small business regulatory fairness in administrative procedures by establishing the position of a small business ombudsman within the Department of Business Regulation. This ombudsman will work with regulatory agencies to assist small businesses regarding regulations or enforcement activities, gather suggestions and feedback from small businesses, and produce an annual public report detailing their activities and providing legislative recommendations to improve the small business climate.

The bill also includes provisions for the ombudsman to assist small businesses in petitioning agencies or licensing authorities to adopt, change, or repeal rules, policies, or procedures. It specifies that agencies must respond to petitions in writing within a specified timeframe, either by denying the petition with justification or by initiating rulemaking, policy, or procedure changes.

Additionally, the bill designates the small business ombudsman as the small business advocate for the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, expanding their role to include identifying concerns raised by small businesses and informing them about proposed regulations that may impact them economically. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5886: 42-35.1-5, 42-35-6, 42-64-34