SRC-JJJ H.B. 2022 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2022
By: Garcia (Lucio)
Economic Development
5/14/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

The Texas Department of Economic Development (department) currently has an
Office of Small Business Assistance (office) that provides information to
businesses, but it only provides state permit information. Providing this
referral service has taken up much time and has left other office functions
unimplemented. H.B. 2022 would require the office to be headed by a small
business advocate appointed by the governor; require the office to develop
a "one-stop" approach for all small business needs; and include the
governing board of the department in the list of entities to which the
department is required to submit a biennial report.  

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 2022 establishes conditions regarding the appointment of
a small business advocate to head the Office of Small Business Asisstance.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 481.0068(a), (b), and (e), Government Code, to
provide that the Office of Small Business Assistance (office)  is an office
within the Texas Department of Economic Development (department) and shall
be headed  by a small business advocate appointed by the governor, rather
than director.  Requires a person to have demonstrated a strong commitment
to and involvement in small business efforts, to be eligible to serve as
the small business advocate. Establishes the small business advocate serves
at the will of the governor.  Requires the office, among other things, to
develop a "one-stop" approach for all small business needs, including
competitive activity with state agencies and political subdivisions.
Requires the department to submit to the governor, governing board, and the
legislature a report containing certain specific information, not later
than September 1 of each even-numbered year.  Makes a conforming change. 

SECTION 2.  Provides that as soon as possible after the effective date of
this Act, the governor shall appoint a small business advocate as required
by Section 481.0068, Government Code, as amended by this Act. 

SECTION 3.  Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 4.  Emergency clause.