Centennial State News

In a recent hearing before the House Finance Committee, Michael Smith, the State Director of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) in Colorado, expressed opposition to House Bill 1001. The proposed legislation would increase regulatory requirements for employers.

Smith emphasized that most small business owners comply with legal obligations and prioritize paying their employees over themselves. "I’m here to express our opposition to the bill as introduced. Generally, I do recognize there are bad actors. But the vast majority of small business owners abide by the law and typically find a way to pay their employees before themselves," he stated. He highlighted that administrative burdens pose significant challenges for small businesses, which often lack dedicated compliance departments and legal teams.

Among his specific objections was a provision in the bill requiring the publication of names of businesses found in violation, which Smith described as an unfriendly practice towards businesses. "The provision to publish the names of businesses with a violation, as well as to notify other state agencies, is viewed by our members as an unfriendly business practice," he noted.

Smith's testimony can be accessed starting at approximately 2:42:50 in the hearing recording.