HB2855 - Entrepreneur-in-Residence Act

• Creates the Entrepreneur-in-Residence Pilot Program to strengthen coordination between state government and the private sector on issues affecting entrepreneurs and small businesses.

• Authorizes up to 10 entrepreneurs-in-residence appointed 2 each by the Governor, Speaker of the House, Senate President, and both minority leaders to serve 2-year terms with designated state agencies.

• Requires the Directors or Secretaries of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Department of Transportation, Department of Human Services, Department of Public Health, and Department of Central Management Services to each appoint one entrepreneur-in-residence for a 5-year term beginning January 1, 2022.

• Entrepreneurs-in-residence serve without compensation but may receive reasonable expenses, and must assist with outreach, improve program efficiency, facilitate education forums, and provide mentorship to small business concerns.

• Requires a report to the General Assembly and Governor by January 1, 2026 on program successes and recommendations, and repeals the Act on January 1, 2028.