Sec. 481.00681. OFFICE OF SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE ADVISORY TASK FORCE. (a) In this section:

(1) "Small business" means a business that employs at least 25 but not more than 250 individuals.

(2) "Task force" means the Office of Small Business Assistance Advisory Task Force.

(b) The Office of Small Business Assistance shall establish the task force.

(c) The task force is composed of seven members appointed as follows:

(1) three members appointed by the governor;

(2) two members appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; and

(3) two members appointed by the lieutenant governor.

(d) A task force member serves a two-year term. A task force member may be reappointed for additional terms.

(e) Task force members serve without compensation but are entitled to reimbursement for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the discharge of their duties.

(f) The task force shall meet as often as necessary but shall meet at least once a year.

(g) The task force shall:

(1) advise and assist the Office of Small Business Assistance with its duties under Section 481.0068(b) 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 to the extent that the duties relate to small businesses; and

(E) the formation of business entities.

(h) Not later than January 1 of each odd-numbered year, the task force shall submit to the legislature a report that:

(1) describes issues related to small businesses; and

(2) proposes legislation to assist small businesses.

Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1103 (H.B. 3714), Sec. 1, eff. June 14, 2013.