Assisting Small Businesses Not Fraudsters Act

# HR 825: Assisting Small Businesses Not Fraudsters Act – Summary **What the bill does:** This bill bars individuals convicted of financial crimes or fraud related to COVID-19 pandemic relief programs from receiving most Small Business Administration (SBA) assistance. Specifically, it targets people convicted of financial misconduct or false statements involving Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, Restaurant Revitalization Fund grants, or Shuttered Venue Operators grants. The ban also applies to small businesses whose owners, officers, directors, or key employees have such convictions.

Disaster loans remain an exception. **Who it affects:** The primary targets are individuals and business owners who committed fraud during the pandemic relief era. It also affects small businesses with employees or leadership who have these convictions, potentially limiting their access to future SBA funding. **Current status:** The bill passed the House of Representatives and is proceeding through the legislative process. It addresses a real problem—investigations found significant fraud in pandemic relief programs—by using criminal convictions as a disqualifying factor for future SBA assistance.