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.