CS/CS/HB 121 Summary

• Creates a web page on the Department of Economic Opportunity website by January 1, 2014 containing comprehensive business data for cities and counties, including tax rates, fees, permits, and processing times to help new and expanding businesses evaluate locations.

• Requires the department to collect all available local business information and request any unavailable data from local governments, which must notify the department of any changes as soon as practicable.

• Establishes the Community of Economic Profitability Certification Program within the Department of Economic Opportunity to promote economic development, job creation, and pro-business policies in communities statewide.

• Creates a 7-member Community of Economic Profitability Advisory Council appointed by the Governor, President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House to review applications and recommend certifications to the department; council meets biannually beginning January 2014.

• Allows certified communities to use the "Community of Economic Profitability" designation and logos, and permits the Department of Transportation to erect markers at a cost not exceeding $500 per marker; certification expires 4 years after issuance.