HB3998 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2003 and 2004
HB3998

Introduced 1/9/2004, by Carolyn H. Krause

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

New Act

Creates the Small Business Advisory Commission Act. Creates the Small Business Advisory Commission within the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to examine and evaluate the responsiveness of State agencies to small businesses in Illinois and to recommend small business development initiatives. Sets forth procedures by which members are appointed to the Commission. Sets forth procedures for the operation of the Commission. Sets forth the duties of the Commission. Provides that the Act is repealed on January 1, 2010. Effective January 1, 2005.

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning small business development.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Small Business Advisory Commission Act.

Section 5. Definitions. As used in this Act:

"Agency" has the definition set forth in Section 1-20 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act.

"Department" means the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

"Small business" has the definition set forth in Section 5 of the Small Business Advisory Act.

Section 10. Commission created.

(a) The Small Business Advisory Commission is created within the Department.

(b) The Commission shall consist of 23 members as follows: 15 members appointed by the Governor, one of whom shall be designated as the chair of the Commission at the time of appointment; 2 members appointed by the President of the Senate; 2 members appointed by the Senate Minority Leader; 2 members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and 2 members appointed by the House Minority Leader. Each member appointed by the Governor must have recognized ability in small business administration, development, or management or in labor relations. Each member appointed by a legislative leader must be a member of the General Assembly and must be a member of the same caucus as the person who appointed him or her.

Each member shall serve at the pleasure of the person, or his or her successor, who appointed the member. If a vacancy occurs in the Commission membership, the vacancy shall be filled in the same manner as the initial appointment.

Commission members shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for their reasonable travel expenses from funds available for that purpose.

Section 15. Operation of the Commission.

(a) The Commission may begin to conduct business upon the appointment of a majority of the voting members, including the chair.

(b) The Commission must meet at least once each calendar quarter. A quorum is 12 members. Meetings of the Commission are subject to the Open Meetings Act, and the Commission must afford an opportunity for public comment at each of its meetings.

(c) The Commission may adopt bylaws and may establish committees and officers as it deems necessary.

(d) The Department must provide staff and administrative support services to the Commission.

Section 20. Duties of the Commission. The Commission shall examine and evaluate the responsiveness of State agencies to small businesses in Illinois and shall recommend small business development initiatives to the Governor, the General Assembly, the Small Business Ombudsman, and State agencies. The Commission shall examine and evaluate all of the following:

(1) Agencies and programs that provide developmental and expansion assistance to new and existing small businesses to determine the effectiveness of existing services and the need for alternative or existing services.

(2) The impact of the Illinois tax laws on small business and how those tax laws compare to those of other states.

(3) The need for a single point of contact for small business start-ups provided by the State to facilitate, assist, and complete State permit and licensing requirements.

(4) The need for a small business cabinet to serve as a forum for airing proposals and engaging in agency-to-agency dialogue about issues concerning small business.

(5) The need for a comprehensive communication strategy for small business that evaluates:

(A) intra-agency and interagency communication and coordination of small business assistance for the increased benefit of Illinois small businesses;

(B) the need for a survey of Illinois small businesses every 2 years;

(C) existing Internet websites or the need for the creation of a web page designed for start-ups and small business owners and managers that includes information on government financial assistance programs, permits, licenses, incentives, tax information, and links to local small-business resources; and

(D) the exchange of public information between the Department, the Small Business Ombudsman, other State agencies, and other relevant sources.

(6) The need for a small business micro-loan program targeted at developing and expanding small businesses.

(7) Any other matters relevant to small businesses.

Section 25. Repeal. This Act is repealed on January 1, 2010.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect January 1, 2005.