BILL ANALYSIS
By: Shapleigh
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
As proposed, S.B. 711 creates, through the Department of Information Resources (DIR), a consolidated business application (CBA) which will make it easier for citizens to start a business in Texas. This project will include the efforts of the Governor's Economic Development and Tourism Office, DIR, and 28 state agencies working together to develop this application. Normally, depending on the type of business to be started, citizens have to fill out as many as 30 different permit applications and enter much of the same information on every form. The CBA system reduces the number of times a citizen must provide the same information to multiple state agencies and reduces frustration for people who wish to start a business in Texas.
With CBA, citizens can enter their name, address, phone number, and other basic information just one time. They will answer a few screening questions, then the system will determine which permits are needed, asking only for the information needed for the specific permits. The first part of the system to be completed is expected to allow people to start one of three types of businesses: retail, restaurant, or convenience store. The next phases of the project are expected to be for construction and child/elderly care businesses, as funding for the development of those phases is secured. Other types of businesses may be added as funding becomes available.
In addition, S.B. 711 improves citizen compliance with state laws and regulations. For many state agencies, this project will reduce the amount of paperwork that they must process and will therefore save money. Finally, the system will accept payment (either credit card or bank Automated Clearing House (ACH) debit) and automatically send all the permit and payment information to the appropriate agencies and the state's Uniform State Accounting System.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 2054.252, Government Code, by adding Subsection (h), as follows:
(h) Requires the electronic infrastructure established by the Department of Information Resources (DIR) to include a consolidated business application portal through which a business may apply and submit payment for original or renewal permits required by state agencies to operate in this state. Requires DIR, in consultation with the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office and any affected state agency, to determine which permits a business may apply and submit payment for through the portal.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2007.
EFFECTIVE DATE
This Act is effective on September 1, 2007.