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Bill

Bill

A 981

Directs the department of economic development to study methods for keeping small retail businesses within the state and creates pilot program; appropriation

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Angelino and 8 co-sponsors

Bill A 981 directs a study on retaining small retail businesses and establishes a pilot program to test new support strategies, boosting local economies and job creation.

HELD FOR CONSIDERATION IN SMALL BUSINESS
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Bill Summary · A 981

Summary of Bill A 981

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: A 981
  • Title: Directs the Department of Economic Development to study methods for keeping small retail businesses within the state and creates a pilot program; appropriation
  • Status: Held for consideration in Small Business
  • Introduced On: January 08, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary aim of Bill A 981 is to address the challenges faced by small retail businesses in the state. The bill seeks to explore effective strategies for retaining these businesses, which are vital to the local economy. By directing the Department of Economic Development to conduct a study, the bill intends to identify best practices and innovative approaches to support small retailers.

Key Provisions

  • Study Initiation: The Department of Economic Development will undertake a comprehensive study focused on:

    • Identifying factors that contribute to the retention of small retail businesses.
    • Evaluating existing support mechanisms and their effectiveness.
    • Proposing new strategies to enhance the sustainability of small retailers within the state.
  • Pilot Program Creation: The bill includes provisions for establishing a pilot program based on the findings of the study. This program will test the proposed methods and strategies in real-world settings to assess their viability and impact.

  • Appropriation: The bill allocates necessary funding to support the study and the implementation of the pilot program, although specific dollar amounts are not detailed in the current version.

Impact

  • Target Audience: The bill primarily affects small retail businesses across the state, which often struggle with competition from larger retailers and online marketplaces.
  • Economic Implications: By focusing on the retention of small businesses, the bill aims to bolster local economies, create jobs, and enhance community engagement.
  • Stakeholder Involvement: The study and pilot program may involve collaboration with local business owners, economic development organizations, and community stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive approach.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Actions:
    • January 08, 2025: The bill was introduced and referred to the Small Business committee.
    • May 20, 2025: The bill was held for consideration in the Small Business committee, indicating ongoing discussions or potential revisions.

Related Bills

Bill A 981 is part of a broader legislative context, with several related bills from prior sessions, including:
- A 2569
- A 2155
- A 2779
- A 4225
- A 1859
- A 816
- A 959
- A 5349
- A 2710

These related bills may provide additional insights into the legislative priorities surrounding small business support and economic development.

This summary provides a clear and concise overview of Bill A 981, outlining its purpose, key provisions, potential impact, and procedural status to help readers understand its significance in supporting small retail businesses within the state.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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