The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) called on March 30 for its members in Virginia to speak out against several proposed state mandates that the group says would increase costs and regulatory burdens for small businesses.
According to the NFIB, small business owners are already contending with workforce shortages, rising expenses, and tight profit margins. The organization said that new proposals under consideration would add further pressure at a difficult time.
The NFIB urged members to contact Governor Abigail Spanberger and request vetoes on four main issues: mandatory leave policies, new workplace regulations, higher energy costs, and expanded rules for public contracts. Senate Bill 2 would require up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave funded by both employers and employees through a statewide program. House Bill 5 would mandate paid sick leave for full-time and part-time workers. The NFIB said these measures could lead to new payroll taxes as well as operational challenges such as covering employee absences with overtime or temporary hires. It also warned of increased legal risks from potential complaints or lawsuits related to compliance.
Regarding workplace safety regulations, the NFIB said proposed heat standards would apply broadly across nearly all workplaces regardless of actual conditions. “Owners already use common sense to keep employees safe. This mandate adds bureaucracy without improving outcomes,” the organization said.
House Bill 397 seeks to expand a carbon trading program requiring power producers to purchase allowances at state auctions—a cost that utilities may pass on through higher electric bills. The NFIB noted that energy is a significant expense for many small businesses, making additional increases particularly challenging.
Other legislative proposals include Senate Bill 324 and House Bill 1046 introducing new requirements such as apprenticeship mandates and extra training for companies working on public projects; Senate Bill 518 and House Bill 569 imposing prevailing wage rules tied to changing local rates. The group argued these changes could make it harder for smaller firms to compete effectively in bidding processes due to added uncertainty and costs.
The statement concluded by encouraging business owners: “Small business owners know what works best for their teams. Now is the time to make sure your voice is heard.”
