Expands scope of New Jersey Regulatory Flexibility Act dealing with economic impact of rules on small businesses.

This bill (A4259) expands New Jersey's Regulatory Flexibility Act to better protect small businesses. It redefines "small business" as entities with under 100 full-time employees or $6 million in annual sales, requiring state agencies to actively minimize economic impacts when creating or renewing rules. Key provisions mandate agencies to simplify compliance requirements, use performance-based standards instead of rigid designs, and consider factors like rule complexity when reviewing rules for renewal. Small businesses can now file petitions within 90 days if they believe rules disproportionately harm them, with a new process for agency review and limited judicial oversight for meritorious claims.