Regulatory Laws to Know When Running a Business

Environmental Laws

In addition to the many environmental laws enforced by the federal government, many states across the nation also have laws regarding the environment. Although a business may have the necessary permits, licenses and documentation to operate the company, there are regulations that determine the way the company can dispose of its waste and perform other activities that may affect the environment. Environmental laws include regulations involving the identification and disposal of hazardous waste, protecting endangered animals, keeping the air and water clean, as well as limiting the amount of outdoor and indoor pollution. The Clean Air Act is just one regulation that puts a strict limit on the amount of emissions and other harmful pollutants that a company can produce and release into the air. Similarly, the Clean Water Act prohibits companies from polluting the waters with particulates and other toxic substances. Furthermore, there are laws regarding how companies can get rid of hazardous and chemical waste in order to minimize the detrimental effect that it can have on society. Traditionally these waste products have been disposed of on land, yet officials have been considering new ways in which to safely rid the environment of this toxic material. Endangered species laws help to reduce the threat of losing animals due to hunting, poaching or other illegal activities. The Environmental Protection Agency was formed to ensure these laws are upheld and followed by large companies and small businesses alike.

Immigration Law for Employers

Before business owners are able to take on new employees, they must first check the immigration status of each potential worker. It is the owners’ responsibility to ensure that every worker in their business is able to legally hold employment in the U.S. Once an employer hires a worker, he or she has three days to check that the employee’s documents are genuine, fill out the I-9 form and submit it to the proper agency. It is extremely important that employers fill out this paperwork, as they may face a verification violation and possible harsh consequences if they fail to do so. There are both non-immigrant and immigrant visas, which give workers who are not U.S. citizens the ability to hold a job in the United States for a certain period of time. With non-immigrant visas, the employer must be able to sponsor the visa. This entails giving information in regards to the type of position that is available. The H-1B visa is used by companies that wish to hire workers from outside the country. These employees may have extensive knowledge in certain areas, such as engineering, computer programming or science. Immigrant visas, otherwise referred to as green cards, are also available for immigrants who want to achieve a more permanent working residential status. Obtaining a green card and employing an immigrant worker can be complicated, and there is a detail-oriented process that employers must go through in order to achieve this status.

Marijuana Law

Although some states have laws allowing patients and the public to purchase marijuana for medical and/or for recreational purposes, the drug is still considered to be an illegal narcotic by the federal government. Due to this issue, it can be complicated to create a business involving the sale of marijuana. There are a host of federal and state regulations that must be met before owners are able to create and operate a company that involves marijuana. Each state has its own licensing and permit requirements that company owners must obtain before opening a marijuana-related business. The regulations vary depending on what type of business the owner wishes to operate. While one business may want to grow and cultivate marijuana plants in order to sell to stores, another business may wish to sell marijuana-infused products, such as edible treats and other formulations. There are also retail stores that sell marijuana for medical and recreational use. People who wish to open a marijuana-related business must make sure they meet the specific requirements, which may include mandated residency and a clean criminal record. These licenses can take a substantial period of time to obtain, and partners must be willing to fund the somewhat expensive venture. In order to start and operate a business, owners must understand all the regulatory laws surrounding the industry related to the company.