Bill

HR 736

Protect Small Businesses from Excessive Paperwork Act of 2025

119th Congress Introduced by Andy Barr and 11 co-sponsors

The Protect Small Businesses from Excessive Paperwork Act reduces unnecessary paperwork, simplifying compliance for small businesses to boost growth and efficiency.

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · HR 736

Summary of HR 736: Protect Small Businesses from Excessive Paperwork Act of 2025

Purpose and Intent

The Protect Small Businesses from Excessive Paperwork Act of 2025 (HR 736) aims to alleviate the administrative burden on small businesses by reducing unnecessary paperwork and regulatory compliance requirements. The bill seeks to streamline processes, thereby allowing small businesses to focus more on their operations and growth rather than on excessive documentation.

Key Provisions

Reduction of Paperwork: The bill mandates a review of existing paperwork requirements imposed on small businesses by federal agencies. It aims to identify and eliminate unnecessary forms and reports that do not contribute to regulatory objectives.
Simplification of Compliance: Agencies are required to develop simplified compliance guidelines that are easier for small businesses to understand and follow.
Feedback Mechanism: The bill establishes a mechanism for small businesses to provide feedback on paperwork burdens, ensuring that their voices are heard in the regulatory process.
Reporting Requirements: Federal agencies will be required to report on their progress in reducing paperwork burdens and to provide updates on the effectiveness of the measures implemented.

Affected Parties

Small Businesses: The primary beneficiaries of this legislation are small businesses across various sectors, which often struggle with the complexities of federal paperwork requirements.
Federal Agencies: Agencies responsible for regulatory oversight will need to adapt their processes and reporting structures to comply with the new requirements outlined in the bill.

Legislative Timeline

Introduced: January 24, 2025
House Actions:
- Passed in the House on February 10, 2025, with overwhelming support (408-0).
- Considered under suspension of the rules, indicating broad bipartisan agreement.
Senate Actions:
- Received in the Senate on February 11, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs for further consideration.

Related Legislation

HR 736 has a companion bill, S 505, which is currently being considered in the Senate. This indicates a coordinated effort to address the issue of excessive paperwork for small businesses across both chambers of Congress.

Conclusion

The Protect Small Businesses from Excessive Paperwork Act of 2025 represents a significant step towards reducing the regulatory burden on small businesses, fostering a more conducive environment for their growth and sustainability. By simplifying compliance and reducing paperwork, the bill aims to empower small business owners to focus on their core operations.

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