Legislative Attacks on Business

A number of bills have been introduced this session that take direct shots at the private sector. Take a look at HJ 11, SB 240, and SB 242. All three target corporations.

HJ 11 urges Congress to change hundreds of years of common and statutory law by limiting corporate "personhood" rights. The resolution cites a 2005 poll which states that 90% of Americans believe corporations have too much power. That's great, but our December 2006 P-base poll shows Montanans are very supportive of businesses, including corporations. They want to see more business growth, more good-paying jobs and more budget surpluses.

SB 240 is a bill that would require corporate officers to "consider the impact of any action upon the public health, public safety, and environment" in discharging any duty for the corporation. What could be wrong with that? Just a tidal wave of new frivolous lawsuits by anti-business groups anxious to shut down your business. And it doesn't reserve this special power for the big corporations. This law would allow a person or group to sue any corporation, including family farms and ranches that are set up as corporations.

SB 242 is another attempt to break federal law by changing the confidentiality of tax records. Federal statutes require all tax information to be confidential, and there are multiple reasons for that. The Montana Supreme Court upheld the confidentiality of tax records last fall.

It is very unlikely that any of these bills will see the light of day out of committee. Still, it's troubling to see so many hostile attempts to go after business. The P-base shows that Montanans are eager for new development and expansion of all business. These bad bills do not reflect those sentiments. Stay tuned to hear about more direct attacks on business this session.

Comments

[Chris]

"It is very unlikely that any of these bills will see the light of day out of committee."

Holy cow - lets hope not.