Patrick Streamlines Business Regulations
Gov. Deval Patrick's office announced that he has approved the elimination or streamlining of 148 state regulations that apply to small businesses.
The proposed changes, which the administration said would affect thousands of businesses, were the result of the first round of a review process expected to run through 2013 and include 2,000 business regulations and up to 250 rule changes.
Regulations approved today, which would impact a number of industries, would include establishing one set of sanitary regulations for food manufacturers to replace 10 separate sets, some of which are "severely outdated." Patrick also approved:
- The elimination of some previously required counting of surf clams and sea bass by commercial fishermen;
- The elimination of some environmental permits said to be of "low environmental protection value" or those that duplicate local approvals;
- Allowing of funeral homes to employ part-time apprentices and;
- Clarification of rules governing the licensure of salons so as to not cause an interruption to business during a transfer of ownership.
Officials from the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development have begun talking with business associations and others about the ongoing process.
April A. Lamoureux, assistant secretary for EOHED, is acting as regulatory "ombudsman" between state government and businesses in the administration's effort.
The draft regulations will need to go through public hearings before they become final, according to EOHED spokesman Jason Lefferts. The process could take months, he said.
Business groups, among them The Alliance for Business Leadership, the Massachusetts chapter of the National Federation of Small Businesses, and the Associated Industries of Massachusetts, are praising the draft changes.
Richard Lord, president and CEO of AIM, said the elimination of outdated regulations will lead to the creation of jobs and the revitalization of vacant properties.
Patrick has also called for state agencies to consider the potential impacts of rule-making on small businesses.
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