DUTIES.

The permit office shall:

(1) provide comprehensive information on permits required for business enterprises in the state and make that information available to applicants and other persons;

(2) assist applicants in obtaining timely and efficient permit review and in resolving issues arising from the review;

(3) facilitate contacts between applicants and state agencies responsible for processing and reviewing permit applications;

(4) assist applicants in the resolution of outstanding issues identified by state agencies, including delays experienced in permit review;

(5) develop comprehensive application procedures to expedite the permit process;

(6) compile a comprehensive list of all permits required of a person desiring to establish, operate, or expand a business enterprise in the state;

(7) encourage and facilitate the participation of federal and local government agencies in permit coordination;

(8) make recommendations for eliminating, consolidating, simplifying, expediting, or otherwise improving permit procedures affecting business enterprises by requesting that the state auditor, with the advice and support of the permit office, initiate a business permit reengineering review process involving all state agencies;

(9) develop and implement an outreach program to publicize and make small business entrepreneurs and others aware of services provided by the permit office;

(10) adopt rules, procedures, instructions, and forms required to carry out the functions, powers, and duties of the permit office under this subchapter; and

(11) except as provided in Section 481.129, complete the implementation of the business permit review process on or before September 1, 1994, and provide all recommended statutory changes as needed to the legislature on or before January 1, 1995.