As the legislative session enters its waning weeks, proponents of a bill to streamline the state licensing process for small businesses are trying to convince legislators that the proposal would not increase state jobs.
The bill, which would establish a “fast-start office” within the Secretary of State’s existing “First Stop Business Information Center,” got off to a slow start. Supporters are hoping that it enjoys a fast finish.
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The bill was defeated by the state House of Representatives, but was still alive and well in the Senate Finance Committee as of late last week. Proponents were prepared to resubmit the bill in the House after clarifying certain language — and determining its fate within the Senate.
Rep. Peter Kilmartin, D-Pawtucket, introduced the bill in the House. He said he remains confident it will become law.
“We have to do a better job of explaining and clarifying some of the issues that came up,” he said.
What appears to be the biggest issue is the perception among some lawmakers that the proposal would mean another layer of government — at a time when the general public is keeping a watchful eye on spending in state government. But more government, said Kilmartin, is not what the bill would create.
Instead, he said, it would create a government more easily navigated by small business owners.
“It is one more mechanism where we can show the business community that we are a business-friendly state and we want business to come here,” said Kilmartin. “Any cost would be absorbed within the Secretary of State’s office.”
The text of the bill describes its intent: “to provide a convenient, accessible, and timely one-stop system that will enable the business community to acquire, maintain and file the necessary state licenses required to start and conduct business in Rhode Island. It is the intent of the General Assembly that use of the fast-start system by a business be optional and that any business may continue to work directly with the appropriate state agency if preferred.”
Secretary of State Edward S. Inman is backing the fast-start proposal. The new approach, he said, would allow the state to make better use of technological advances.
“We are the official filing agency for the state,” said Inman. “By having this, it would allow for Internet filing. We want to stay ahead of the curve in terms of e-government initiatives. This is extremely good for business.”
As for concerns that the program would create jobs, Inman said that it could — in the private sector.
“This bill does not create jobs,” he said. “The only place it creates jobs is in the private sector.”
