Bay State News

The Massachusetts Legislature is moving quickly as the session nears its end, focusing on bills affecting small businesses. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has addressed letters to both the House and Senate concerning legislation related to the environment, energy, plastics, and economic development.

A bill passed by the Senate aims to ban plastic bags in Massachusetts, mandating the use of reusable and paper alternatives. It also includes a 10-cent fee for bags, with half going to retailers and half to the state. Other provisions include making utensils and other items available only upon customer request, studying polystyrene usage, banning black plastics, and forming a commission on extended product responsibility for items like paint and mattresses. There is an exemption from the bag fee for small businesses meeting specific criteria.

In another legislative move, an energy bill was introduced by the Senate granting more authority to the Department of Public Utilities regarding natural gas hookups. This could increase energy costs as electrification progresses in Massachusetts. The bill also expands a natural gas ban pilot program from 10 to 15 communities and raises redemption costs for drink containers under an expanded bottle law.

The House proposed an economic development bill centered on clean energy and tech jobs but reportedly affects non-union small businesses negatively. The bill allows municipalities to require project labor agreements for local projects, potentially increasing project costs and limiting bidding opportunities for non-union shops. "These economic development bills do very little to assist smaller businesses," stated a representative of NFIB.

Additionally, NFIB opposed a proposal allowing Boston to shift more tax burden onto commercial properties. Mayor Wu seeks increased taxes from these properties due to budget demands, which could lead to higher operating costs passed on to consumers. This proposal requires state legislative approval as it exceeds current tax split limits.