PURPOSES OF OFFICE.

(a) The office is established to:

(1) identify and expand opportunities for implementing efficiencies in:

(A) the process by which state agencies adopt rules;

(B) the regulatory review process; and

(C) the processes by which contested cases are conducted;

(2) assist state agencies in identifying:

(A) unnecessary and ineffective rules;

(B) the effect and cost to this state and regulated persons of the agencies' rules and proposed rules; and

(C) opportunities to repeal or amend rules to provide effective protection to the public with the least cost and inconvenience to regulated persons;

(3) coordinate with the secretary of state, the Department of Information Resources, and other state agencies in the secretary of state's efforts under Section 2001.007 to:

(A) improve public access to information regarding state agency rules, forms, and filings; and

(B) create an interactive Internet website for use by the public to search and obtain information regarding rules, forms, and filings applicable to specific regulated occupations, industries, professions, and activities;

(4) coordinate with state agencies to reduce rules or other regulatory requirements, including by:

(A) eliminating unnecessary or ineffective rules or other regulatory requirements; and

(B) reducing the inefficiencies resulting from rules or other regulatory requirements adopted by the agency by:

(i) reducing required training hours while protecting the health and safety of the residents of this state;

(ii) reducing the number of forms a regulated person is required to complete;

(iii) reducing the amount of information required by forms that a regulated person is required to complete;

(iv) reducing the amount of or eliminating fees imposed by the rules;

(v) reducing the number of activities covered by the rules; or

(vi) creating waivers for or exemptions from the rules under certain circumstances; and

(5) prepare and publish written manuals, guides, or other publications as required by this chapter.

(b) The office shall coordinate with the panel, state agencies, and the governor's office, as applicable, to accomplish the purposes of the office.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the office may not recommend the repeal of a rule the purpose of which is to inform members of the public about the rulemaking process or facilitate participation in that process by members of the public.