MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Ways and Means

By: Representatives Scott (80th), Coleman (65th), Bailey, Clark, Clarke, Ellis, Flaggs, Fredericks, Gibbs, Henderson, Holloway, Robinson (63rd)

AN ACT TO CREATE WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT A ONE-STOP INFORMATION CENTER TO PROVIDE A ONE-STOP INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR FEDERAL AND STATE PROGRAMS AVAILABLE FOR INDIVIDUALS AND SMALL AND MINORITY BUSINESSES; TO REQUIRE THE ONE-STOP CENTER TO MAINTAIN A STATEWIDE REGISTER OF CONTRACTS, PROGRAMS, LOANS AND GRANTS AVAILABLE; TO REQUIRE THE COMPILATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF INFORMATION PACKETS; TO REQUIRE THE COORDINATION OF AGENCIES; TO REQUIRE AN ANNUAL REPORT ON THE ESTABLISHMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE INFORMATION SYSTEM; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. (1) The Department of Economic and Community Development shall establish and administer a One-Stop Information Center to provide for the collection, summarization and dissemination of information helpful to any person establishing or operating a small or minority business, or seeking loans, grants or other funds that may be available in this state.

(2) The One-Stop Information Center shall:

(a) Collect, compile, summarize and disseminate information packets to any person seeking a grant, loan or other incentive, and any information helpful to any person establishing or operating a small or minority business;

(b) Maintain a statewide contracts register;

(c) Maintain a register of federal and state grants, loans and other incentives available to assist individuals, and small and minority businesses;

(d) Provide information and help coordinate the "one-stop permitting" available under Section 25-45-3 et seq.;

(e) In cooperation with existing state and federal assistance programs, counsel on:

(i) How to deal with federal, state and local governmental agencies;

(ii) How to meet federal, state and local program requirements;

(iii) How to utilize any incentives that are available in the state.

(f) Coordinate between agencies to consolidate related information.

(3) On January 2 of each year, beginning with January 2, 2001, the Department of Economic and Community Development shall make a written report to the Governor and the Legislature on the implementation of this act. The report shall contain information on:

(a) The establishment and administration of the One-Stop Information Center;

(b) The information available through the center;

(c) How the information is disseminated;

(d) The number of persons who have used the One-Stop Information System;

(e) The types of assistance that are available;

(f) The complaints and suggestions received by the department; and

(g) Plans and specific objectives to be accomplished by the department in the next fiscal year.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2000.