BILL ANALYSIS
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AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Interested parties assert that there is a need in Texas for a task force of qualified individuals to review difficulties encountered by small businesses with the regulatory system and review information for small businesses to assure that such information is provided in plain language to the public. H.B. 3714 seeks to improve the development, growth, and vitality of small businesses through a specified small business advisory task force.
H.B. 3714 addresses the need in Texas for a task force of qualified individuals to review difficulties encountered by small businesses with the regulatory system and review information for small businesses to assure that such information is provided in plain language to the public. The bill creates a small business advisory panel that works alongside the Office of Small Business Assistance described in Section 481.0068(b), Government Code.
With the help of this task force, the advocates will improve the development, growth, and vitality of small businesses throughout Texas. They will meet to discuss ideas, barriers, and state policies that affect small business and issue a report to the legislature that describes issues and proposed legislation related to small business.
The council will advise the governor on small business promotional opportunities; recommend improvements in state-funded programs; identify state laws, programs, and policies that may need change; and work on special projects assigned by the governor.
H.B. 3714 amends current law relating to the creation of the Office of Small Business Assistance Advisory Task Force.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter A, Chapter 481, Government Code, by adding Section 481.00681, as follows:
Sec. 481.00681. OFFICE OF SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE ADVISORY TASK FORCE. (a) Defines "small business" and "task force" in this section.
(b) Requires the Office of Small Business Assistance to establish the Office of Small Business Assistance Advisory Task Force (task force).
(c) Provides that the task force is composed of seven members appointed as follows:
(1) two members appointed by the governor;
(2) three members appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; and
(3) two members appointed by the lieutenant governor.
(d) Provides that a task force member serves a two-year term. Authorizes a task force member to be reappointed for additional terms.
(e) Provides that task force members serve without compensation but entitles them to reimbursement for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the discharge of their duties.
(f) Requires the task force to meet as often as necessary but to meet at least once a year.
(g) Requires the task force to:
(1) advise and assist the Office of Small Business Assistance with its duties under Section 481.0068(b) (relating to certain requirements of the Office of Small Business Assistance) to the extent that they relate to small businesses;
(2) advise and assist the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of representatives with issues that relate to small businesses; and
(3) provide information in plain language to the public on issues related to small businesses, including:
(A) environmental permitting and compliance;
(B) local regulations;
(C) construction permitting;
(D) the duties of the comptroller of public accounts of the State of Texas to the extent that the duties relate to small businesses; and
(E) the formation of business entities.
SECTION 2. Requires the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of representatives, as soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, to appoint the members of the task force as required by Section 481.00681, Government Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2013.