IN SB0141

Establishes a small business council to oversee and provide guidance to the office of small business and entrepreneurship and the general assembly, with membership including the lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and heads of workforce development, labor, state revenue, local government finance, environmental management, and transportation departments, plus the small business ombudsman and a Purdue University representative.

Requires the council to meet at least twice yearly before September 1 to receive reports from the office on state efforts to encourage small business growth, liaison activities with economic development officials, streamlining of business interactions with state government, tax incentives and financing programs, and state procurement opportunities.

Mandates the council to submit an annual report to the legislative council by November 1 detailing council activities and recommending legislation to coordinate and streamline state efforts to assist small business growth.

Prohibits the office from refusing assistance or information to any individual or entity based on income or compensation, credit history or score, employment history, or criminal history.

Effective July 1, 2015; members receive no per diem but may be reimbursed for travel and other expenses as provided by state policy; majority vote required for council actions.