§ 503. Small Business Council.

(a) Establishment.--There is established within the department an agency to be known as the Small Business Council. The council shall do all of the following:

(1) Assist with the development of policies and regulations which affect small businesses within this Commonwealth.

(2) Provide advice relating to the nature of small business practices and problems in this Commonwealth.

(3) Provide a review of existing and proposed policies and regulations which are relevant to small business.

(b) Composition.--The council shall be composed of 13 members. The secretary shall serve ex officio. Twelve members shall be appointed as follows:

(1) Four individuals appointed by the Governor.

(2) Two individuals appointed by the President pro tempore of the Senate.

(3) Two individuals appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate.

(4) Two individuals appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

(5) Two individuals appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.

(c) Qualifications.--In order to be eligible for appointment to the council, an individual must:

(1) have a background in improving small businesses; and

(2) be one of the following:

(i) a present owner or operator of a small business within this Commonwealth;

(ii) a member of the academic community who has expertise regarding small business practices; or

(iii) a professional who specializes in representing small businesses.

(d) Term.--Each member of the council shall serve for a period of two years.

(e) Organization.--The secretary shall serve as chairperson.

(f) Meetings.--The council shall meet at the call of the chairperson.

(g) Quorum.--A majority of the board shall constitute a quorum. A majority of the members present shall be necessary to transact business on behalf of the council.

(h) Expenses.--A member shall not receive compensation or remuneration but shall be entitled to reimbursement for all reasonable and necessary actual expenses.

(i) Administrative assistance.--The department shall do all of the following:

(1) Provide administrative and technical support to the council.

(2) Publish notice of council meetings in accordance with 65 Pa.C.S. Ch. 7 (relating to open meetings).

(3) Maintain a mailing list of persons who have requested specific notification of meetings and activities of the council.

(4) Designate a deputy secretary to attend council meetings and to serve as the public's liaison of the council.

(j) Cooperation.--Upon the council's request, an executive agency shall provide the council with officially promulgated regulatory and nonregulatory documents which regulate or would regulate small businesses.

Cross References. Section 503 is referred to in section 502 of this title.