S. 3111: Small Businesses before Bureaucrats Act

The purpose of the bill known as the Small Businesses before Bureaucrats Act is to modify the National Labor Relations Act by adjusting the dollar thresholds that determine whether the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) can intervene in certain labor disputes involving specific employers. Here are the key points of the bill:

Adjustment of Dollar Thresholds

The bill proposes to:

• Increase Dollar Thresholds: It aims to increase the dollar threshold that the NLRB uses to decide whether to take jurisdiction over labor disputes related to certain classes or categories of employers. This means that if the disputes involve smaller amounts of money, the NLRB might decline to intervene.
• Specifics on Adjustment:
  • For the year 2026, the threshold will be set at ten times the amount that was applicable immediately before the bill is enacted.
  • For subsequent years, the threshold will be adjusted based on the Personal Consumption Expenditure Per Capita Index, which reflects changes in consumer spending over time.

Establishment of Consumption Index

The bill also mandates the creation of a new index called the Personal Consumption Expenditure Per Capita Index. This index will:

• Be developed and published annually by the Director of the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
• Reflect the per capita expenditures of individuals in the United States for the calendar year prior to the year the index is published.

Effective Date

The changes proposed in this bill are set to take effect for any NLRB decision regarding jurisdiction over labor disputes made on or after January 1, 2026, or the date when the bill is enacted, whichever is later.

Summary of Impact

By increasing the dollar thresholds that determine NLRB jurisdiction, this bill is intended to reduce the administrative burden on small businesses regarding labor disputes. The modifications to jurisdictional thresholds are aimed at ensuring that only disputes that meet higher financial criteria will fall under the NLRB's purview.

Relevant Companies

None found.