HispanicBusiness

U.S. Rep. Kerry Bentivolio introduced his first piece of legislation Friday, a bill that would give small businesses a grace period to correct violations of federal regulations under certain circumstances.

The legislation would allow for the grace period -- which could be up to 9 months -- in cases where the alleged violation doesn't pose an imminent threat to life, the congressman's office said. Any fines would be waived if the alleged violation was resolved during the grace period.

"Small businesses are America's job creators and the massive regulatory state grows so quickly that they often have a tough time keeping up," said Bentivolio (R-Milford). "This comes at the expense of jobs and economic growth."

A small business would be defined by the bill as one with less than $10 million in gross receipts annually or less than 200 employees..

Under the legislation -- which has a dozen cosponsors, includings Reps. Dan Benishek (R-Crystal Falls) and Tim Walberg (R-Tipton) -- a business found in violation of a federal regulation would have 6 months to comply without being fined. After that, the business would be able to obtain a 3-month extension if it was making a good faith effort to resolve the violation.

A business would be allowed only one grace period per regulation, however, in an effort to ensure that no businesses try to ignore rules on an ongoing basis.

The legislation was referred to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration.

Bentivolio is a political newcomer who was sworn in last month, taking the seat previously held by U.S. Rep. Thaddeus McCotter.





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