By Maxey                                               H.B. No. 766
         76R3606 WP-D                           
                                A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 1-1                                   AN ACT
 1-2     relating to creating a bill of rights for Texas businesses.
 1-3           BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
 1-4           SECTION 1.  The chapter heading to Chapter 2006, Government
 1-5     Code, is amended to read as follows:
 1-6          CHAPTER 2006. AGENCY ACTIONS AFFECTING [SMALL] BUSINESSES
 1-7           SECTION 2.  Chapter 2006, Government Code, is amended by
 1-8     adding Subchapter C to read as follows:
 1-9           SUBCHAPTER C. OTHER AGENCY ACTIONS AFFECTING BUSINESSES
1-10           Sec. 2006.021.  BILL OF RIGHTS FOR BUSINESSES.  (a)  The
1-11     governor shall create a bill of rights for businesses of this state
1-12     outlining the behavior expected from state agencies as they enforce
1-13     state laws.  The bill of rights at a minimum shall give businesses
1-14     the right to expect:
1-15                 (1)  fair and courteous treatment from all state
1-16     employees;
1-17                 (2)  easily accessible and understandable information
1-18     on rules;
1-19                 (3)  prompt and accurate responses to all requests for
1-20     information;
1-21                 (4)  a fair and timely system for receiving and
1-22     resolving complaints;
1-23                 (5)  a commitment from state agencies to seek ways to
1-24     streamline rules and regulatory processes; and
 2-1                 (6)  a commitment from state agencies to welcome
 2-2     suggestions from businesses on how to improve the regulatory
 2-3     environment.
 2-4           (b)  The governor shall appoint an officer to serve at the
 2-5     will of the governor and act as an ombudsman for state businesses.
 2-6     The officer shall receive and keep records of complaints by
 2-7     businesses about problems with state government.
 2-8           (c)  An agency's effort to reduce rules and comply with the
 2-9     bill of rights established under Subsection (a) may be considered
2-10     as part of its evaluation when reviewed under Chapter 325 (Texas
2-11     Sunset Act).
2-12           SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 1999.
2-13           SECTION 4.  The importance of this legislation and the
2-14     crowded condition of the calendars in both houses create an
2-15     emergency and an imperative public necessity that the
2-16     constitutional rule requiring bills to be read on three several
2-17     days in each house be suspended, and this rule is hereby suspended.