(a) In addition to the duties set out in Section 40-23-202, the commission shall research Alabama's existing tax laws to identify what changes in existing law will be necessary in order to bring Alabama in compliance with the agreement in the event that federal legislation adopting the agreement becomes law. The commissioner of the department, or his or her designee, shall assist the commission as necessary in carrying out this function, and once the commission's research is completed, shall assist the commission in drafting legislation proposing the changes it identifies as necessary to bring the state into compliance with the agreement.

(b) The commission shall make preliminary recommendations regarding necessary changes in Alabama's existing tax laws within six months of filing the written report required in subsection (b) of Section 40-23-203. The preliminary recommendations approved by the commission shall be distributed for comment to the department, the Association of County Commissions of Alabama, the Alabama League of Municipalities, the Business Council of Alabama, and the Alabama Retail Association. The report shall also be posted on the website of the department at all times during the comment period with information about how persons or entities can provide comment to the commission. Any comments from persons, entities, and organizations shall be submitted in writing to the commission within 45 days of the date distributed and posted. The commission shall review all written comments and make changes to its preliminary recommendations as it deems appropriate and shall submit a written report of its final recommendations to the Legislature by the third legislative day of the first regular session following the enactment of federal legislation implementing the agreement or the general concepts of the agreement, which includes a requirement that remote sellers collect and remit sales and use taxes to member states, becomes law.