Bill > S235

This bill establishes a special commission to investigate how state agencies in the Commonwealth can better share information to make it easier for new businesses to register. This commission will be co-chaired by the Commonwealth's Innovation Officer and Chief Information Officer, and will include representatives from various state departments, including administration and finance, the secretary of the commonwealth, the attorney general, the treasurer, the auditor, health and human services, energy and environmental affairs, housing and economic development, education, and transportation. It will also include three individuals appointed by the governor, one of whom must be an information technology specialist, as well as designees from the president of the senate, speaker of the house, chairs of the joint committee on state administration and regulatory oversight, and the senate and house minority leaders. The commission's main task is to conduct a thorough study on improving information sharing to eliminate redundant steps and simplify the process of registering a new business, with a particular focus on helping small businesses. They will examine each agency's registration requirements to identify any duplicated, difficult, or unnecessary procedures and will also assess the costs associated with implementing new or upgraded technology. Finally, the commission is required to report its findings and any recommendations to several legislative committees and the clerks of the house and senate by December 31, 2015.