One Stop Shop for Small Business Licensing Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- S. 1786
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Commerce
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-05-15: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
- Last Updated
- 2025-06-02T13:01:57Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The "One Stop Shop for Small Business Licensing Act of 2025" aims to ensure that the Small Business Administration (SBA) maintains an online resource to help small businesses understand and comply with federal, state, and local permitting and licensing requirements. This promotes easier access to essential information for entrepreneurs starting or operating a business.
Key Provisions
- Definitions:
- "Administrator" refers to the head of the SBA.
- "Covered website" is defined as the existing SBA webpage at https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/apply-licenses-permits (as of May 14, 2025), or any updated or successor site that provides substantially similar information on business permits and licenses.
- Maintenance Requirement:
- Starting from the date of enactment, the SBA Administrator must keep the covered website publicly available.
- The SBA can update the site's content to reflect changes in permitting and licensing rules, ensuring the information remains current and relevant.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This bill mandates the continuation of an existing SBA website, preventing its potential discontinuation or relocation without a functional equivalent.
- It introduces a statutory obligation for ongoing public access, which was not previously enshrined in law, thereby formalizing the resource as a permanent tool rather than a discretionary one.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The SBA will need to allocate resources for website maintenance and updates, potentially involving minimal additional costs for content management but ensuring compliance with federal information accessibility standards.
- On Citizens: Small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs will benefit from a centralized, free online hub for navigating complex regulatory requirements, reducing time and confusion in starting or expanding a business.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic small business support without addressing foreign trade, immigration, or global regulations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Small Business Administration (SBA): Responsible for implementing and funding the website's upkeep.
- Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs: Primary beneficiaries, gaining simplified access to licensing information across government levels (federal, state, local).
- Congressional Committees: The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, which oversees SBA activities and may influence future funding or expansions.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces the SBA's role in supporting small businesses under the Small Business Act (as amended), with no new enforcement mechanisms but potential for future lawsuits if the website is not maintained as required. It aligns with broader federal efforts to reduce administrative burdens on businesses.
- Constitutional: No significant implications; the bill operates within Congress's authority to regulate commerce and support economic development under Article I, Section 8, without infringing on states' rights (as it covers multi-level requirements without preempting state laws).
- Political: Supports bipartisan goals of economic growth and regulatory simplification, as evidenced by introduction by Senators from both parties (Democrat and Republicans). It could enhance political goodwill toward small business advocacy but may face scrutiny over SBA budget priorities in appropriations debates.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV], Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV]
Recent Actions
- 2025-05-15: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
- 2025-05-15: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- One Stop Shop for Small Business Licensing Act of 2025 — issued 2025-05-15 — PDF (3 pages)