BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center C.S.S.B. 96
Emerging Technology & Economic Development
Committee Report (Substituted)
AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
The state website, www.TxOnline.com, has proposed to host a business portal that would serve as a "one-stop shopping" source for occupational licenses. This Web portal could be used for accessing licensing information.
Similar initiatives have been enacted in New York and Pennsylvania.
C.S.S.B. 96 directs the TexasOnline Authority to develop and maintain a web portal that will provide information and access to necessary resources for occupational licenses in Texas.
C.S.S.B. 96 replaces the original bill language to create an Online Business Portal with language suggested by the Texas Online Authority and the Office of the Governor. Generally, the substitute, like the original, provides for the development of a single point of entry to streamline the process for obtaining forms and permit or license information from state agencies through Texas Online. However, the language is more broad, allowing the flexibility necessary for emerging technologies and applications. The substitute also requires state agencies to make forms used by the public available on the Internet. This requirement will enable Texas Online to link to all the forms necessary for a business portal.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter F, Chapter 2054, Government Code, by adding Section 2054.132, as follows:
Sec. 2054.132. POSTING OF FORMS REQUIRED. Requires each state agency to make available on its Internet website each of its forms used by the public.
SECTION 2. Amends Subchapter I, Chapter 2054, Government Code, by adding Section 2054.272, as follows:
Sec. 2054.272. BUSINESS PERMITS AND LICENSES INTERNET PORTAL. (a) Requires a state agency that has jurisdiction over matters related to occupational licenses, including a licensing entity of this state, to develop in cooperation with the TexasOnline Authority (authority) a link through the TexasOnline portal.
(b) Requires the link to provide streamlined access to each occupational license listed on TexasOnline.
(c) Prohibits the authority from charging a fee to implement this section.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2005.