Bill > H5886

This bill expands the role of the small business ombudsman in Rhode Island by consolidating the responsibilities of the small business ombudsman and the small business advocate into a single position. The bill modifies existing laws to enhance support for small businesses by requiring the ombudsman to work more closely with regulatory agencies, develop reporting policies, and provide annual reports to the General Assembly. The ombudsman will now have expanded duties, including helping businesses navigate regulatory challenges, receiving and addressing feedback, and assisting businesses in petitioning agencies for rule changes. The bill also streamlines the process for businesses to petition agencies for policy modifications, requiring agencies to respond within 30 days and potentially expedite changes. Additionally, the bill mandates that the ombudsman, who will now also serve as the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation's small business advocate, can request cooperation and assistance from government agencies to effectively support small businesses. These changes aim to improve the regulatory environment and provide more robust support for small businesses in Rhode Island.

Business and Industry

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