HELP for Small Businesses Act

United States116th CongressS-2757Senate
Updated: Dec 15, 2020

Summary

Harmless Error Lesser Penalty for Small Businesses Act or the HELP for Small Businesses Act This bill prohibits an agency from imposing a civil fine on a small business for a first-time paperwork violation, with the exceptions that the agency may levy a fine for a violation that (1) interferes with the detection of criminal activity; (2) contravenes an internal revenue law; or (3) endangers public health, safety, or the environment. However, an agency must track each first-time violation and report each waiver or reduction of a civil penalty for the violation.

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Timeline

  1. Introduced in Senate

  2. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

    Senate

  3. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Johnson with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 116-326.

    Senate

  4. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 628.

    Senate