SMALL BUSINESS ADVOCATE

Creates the Small Business Advocate Act. Creates the four independent Offices of the Executive Small Business Advocate for the Attorney General, the Secretary of State, the Comptroller, and the Treasurer. Provides that every State agency consisting of 500 or more employees shall establish an independent Office of the Small Business Advocate. Provides that each Office shall be under the direction and supervision of an Executive Small Business Advocate or a Small Business Advocate, and shall be a fully independent Office with separate appropriations. Provides for the appointment and duties of Executive Small Business Advocates and Small Business Advocates. Provides that each Office shall assist small businesses in understanding and complying with State requirements, as well as facilitating interactions between small businesses and State government. Provides for the adoption of rules. Provides that beginning January 1, 2021, and for each year thereafter, each Office of the Executive Small Business Advocate and each Office of the Small Business Advocate shall submit a report to the Governor and the General Assembly detailing specified items. Defines Terms. Effective January 1, 2020.