BILL NUMBER: AB 2176	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member John A. Pérez

                        FEBRUARY 20, 2014

   An act to amend Section 12096.3 of the Government Code, relating
to state government.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   AB 2176, as introduced, John A. Pérez. Governor's Office of
Business and Economic Development.
   The Economic Revitalization Act establishes the Governor's Office
of Business and Economic Development, also known as "GO-Biz," to,
among other things, serve the Governor as the lead entity for
economic strategy and the marketing of California on issues relating
to business development, private sector investment, and economic
growth. Existing law authorizes GO-Biz to, among other things, make
recommendations to the Governor and Legislature on new state
policies, programs, and actions, or amendments to existing programs.
   This bill would instead require GO-Biz to perform the
above-described activities and to develop recommendations for an
economic development strategic plan for the state.
   Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes.
State-mandated local program: no.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  SECTION 1.  Section 12096.3 of the Government Code is amended to
read:
   12096.3.  The office shall serve the Governor as the lead entity
for economic strategy and the marketing of California on issues
relating to business development, private sector investment, and
economic growth. In this capacity, the office may 
 shall do all of the following  :
   (a) Recommend to the Governor and the Legislature new state
policies, programs, and actions, or amendments to existing programs,
advance statewide economic goals and respond to emerging economic
problems and opportunities, and ensure that all state policies and
programs conform to the adopted state economic and business
development goals.
   (b) Coordinate the development of policies and criteria to ensure
that federal grants administered or directly expended by state
government advance statewide economic goals and objectives.
   (c) Market the business and investment opportunities available in
California by working in partnership with local, regional, federal,
and other state public and private institutions to encourage business
development and investment in the state.
   (d) Provide, including, but not limited to, all of the following:
   (1) Economic and demographic data.
   (2) Financial information to help link businesses with state and
local public and private programs.
   (3) Workforce information, including, but not limited to, labor
availability, training, and education programs.
   (4) Transportation and infrastructure information.
   (5) Assistance in obtaining state and local permits.
   (6) Information on tax credits and other incentives.
   (7) Permitting, siting, and other regulatory information pertinent
to business operations in the state.
   (e) Establish a well-advertised telephone number, an interactive
Internet Web site, and an administrative structure that effectively
supports the facilitation of business development and investment in
the state.
   (f) Encourage collaboration among research institutions, startup
companies, local governments, venture capitalists, and economic
development agencies to promote innovation.
   (g) In cooperation with the federal government, foster
relationships with overseas entities to improve the state's image as
a destination for business investment and expansion.
   (h) Conduct research on the state's business climate, including,
but not limited to, research on how the state can remain on the
leading edge of innovation and emerging sectors.
   (i) Support small businesses by providing information about
accessing capital, complying with regulations, and supporting state
initiatives that support small business. 
   (j) Develop recommendations for an economic development strategic
plan for the state.