1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to economic development; state government; modifying small business 
1.3 	assistance services; creating a citizen advocate office in the Office of the 
1.4 	Legislative Auditor; appropriating money; reducing an appropriation;amending 
1.5 	Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 116J.66.
1.6 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.7 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 116J.66, is amended to read:
1.8 	116J.66 BUSINESS ASSISTANCE.
1.9 	The commissioner shall establish within the department a business assistance center. 
1.10 	The center shall consist of (1) a Bureau of Small Business which shall have as its sole 
1.11 	function the provision of assistance to small businesses in the state and (2) a bureau 
1.12 	of licenses to assist all businesses in obtaining state licenses and permits. This center 
1.13 	shall be accorded at least equal status with the other major operating units within the 
1.14 	department. A small business advocate office is established in the Business Assistance 
1.15 	Center to provide one-stop access for small businesses in need of information or assistance 
1.16 	in obtaining or renewing licenses, meeting state regulatory requirements, or resolving 
1.17 	disputes with state agencies.

1.18 	Sec. 2. OFFICE OF CITIZEN ADVOCATE; APPROPRIATION.
 1.19 	$115,000 in fiscal year 2017 is appropriated from the general fund to the Office of 
1.20 	the Legislative Auditor for establishment of a citizen advocate office. The citizen advocate 
1.21 	office must provide citizens with information or assistance in obtaining or renewing 
1.22 	licenses, meeting state regulatory requirements, or resolving disputes with state agencies.

2.1 	Sec. 3. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT; APPROPRIATION REDUCTION.
 2.2 	The general fund base appropriation to the Department of Employment and 
2.3 	Economic Development in Laws 2015, First Special Session chapter 1, article 1, section 2, 
2.4 	subdivision 2, is reduced by $115,000 in fiscal year 2017.