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Bill116th CongressFiled Oct 31, 2019Commerce
S. 2757

HELP for Small Businesses Act

Bill journey · stage 2 of 5

Under committee review

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What it doesSummary reported to senate (Dec 15, 2020)

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.

What just happenedDec 15, 2020

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

Who’s behind it

Sen. Lankford, James [R-OK](R-OK)Sponsor
3 cosponsors1 D2 R
Read on Congress.gov
3cosponsors1committees6actions6subjects
  1. Dec 15, 2020Calendars

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

  2. Dec 15, 2020Committee

    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.

    Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
  3. Dec 15, 2020Committee14000

    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.

    Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
  4. Mar 11, 2020Committee

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

    Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
  5. Oct 31, 2019IntroReferral

    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

    Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
  6. Oct 31, 2019IntroReferral10000

    Introduced in Senate

Reported to SenateDec 15, 202025

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.

Introduced in SenateOct 31, 2019

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 interest.

HELP for Small Businesses Act — Informed