NFIB urges vote against COVID-19 bill, warns it will score support in ratings
Voting in favor of the omnibus bill seeking to clamp down on COVID-19 mandates will negatively affect lawmakers’ ratings by the state chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business, according to a letter sent to each member on Friday morning.
Votes on the bill are scheduled for later in the day.
Here’s the full NFIB letter:
Good morning, Members of the 112th Tennessee General Assembly.
NFIB asks for your vote of NO on HB 9077/SB 9014. NFIB plans to include this vote in our 2021-2022 Voting Record report to NFIB members.
NFIB is strongly opposed to any new causes of action, which are in the amendments to HB 9077/SB 9014. This would be a very inopportune time for small businesses, who are dealing with a severe labor shortage, rising inflation and significant supply chain issues, to face potential litigation. NFIB is concerned several COVID-19 mitigation measures by an employer could be grounds for a private right of action. We understand the views from all sides on this issue, particularly with potential pending federal overreach (please read our letter to USDOL Labor Secretary here). However, we oppose HB 9077/SB 9014, which is consistent with our previous positions on new private rights of action. Our previously shared letter is attached.
NFIB also is concerned with Section 14-6-101 in both amendments under Chapter 6-Miscellaneous. NFIB shares the concerns of our Department of Workforce & Labor Development and other groups that if the legislation passes as drafted, the federal government would soon take over regulatory enforcement of various labor laws in Tennessee. Specifically, as Commissioner McCord testified, OSHA would take over TOSHA. For background, the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 authorizes states to establish their own occupational safety and health plans and preempt standards established and enforced by Fed OSHA. OSHA must approve state plans if they are “at least as effective” as OSHA’s standards and enforcement. Currently, 22 states have plans under this system, including Tennessee. Over the last decade, NFIB has received almost no complaints from our members regarding TOSHA overreach. If HB 9077/SB 9014 were to pass, as drafted, NFIB is concerned many OSHA fines will double and a more adversarial system would result for Tennessee’s small businesses, again at an inopportune time.
Thank you for you support of small business, and please contact me directly with any questions. Jim
Jim Brown
Tennessee State Director
NFIB urges lawmakers to reject bills clearing way for more lawsuits
The state chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business is urging lawmakers not to pass legislation seeking to create “a new cause of action against private employers” during this week’s special session on COVID-19 mandates.
“Our most vulnerable businesses in Tennessee are struggling to keep their doors open and our communities thriving,” NFIB state director Jim Brown writes in the letter. “The legislature should be looking at legislation to help them recover, not to hinder their very survival.”
Here’s the full letter:
Dear Members of the 112th Tennessee General Assembly,
Thank you for all you have done to make Tennessee the great state it is in which to own, operate and grow a business. As you know, the last 18 months have been exceedingly challenging for many independent businesses, with the severe, persistent labor shortage, along with rising inflation and supply chain disruptions. Fifty-one percent of small business owners report job openings that cannot be filled – a 48-year record high for the third consecutive month. Their livelihoods are at stake, and uncertainty is at an all-time high. As you enter the third extraordinary session of 2021, we ask you to consider what small businesses are facing before enacting any new laws.
NFIB has always strongly opposed any legislation, ordinance or policy that creates a new cause of action against private employers. Our review shows several bills would do just that, including HB 1643/SB 9001, HB9001/SB 9004, HB 9004, HB 9006, HB 9011, HB 9019, HB 9021 and HB 9026. Some expand the scope of the Tennessee Human Rights Act, which NFIB has opposed over a long period of time and in recent years. The last thing businesses need right now is the added cost and distraction of unnecessary legal actions. Of note, “Cost and Availability of Liability Insurance” was identified by NFIB members through our 2020 Research Center Problems and Priority report as one of the top ten biggest concerns.
Our most vulnerable businesses in Tennessee are struggling to keep their doors open and our communities thriving. The legislature should be looking at legislation to help them recover, not to hinder their very survival.
On behalf of NFIB’s 6,500 members in Tennessee, I respectfully ask you to oppose all legislation that would create new causes of action against Tennessee employers.
Sincerely,
Jim Brown
State Director, NFIB
