Sec. 1. 2 MRSA c. 7 is enacted to read:

CHAPTER 7

SMALL BUSINESS OMBUDSMAN

§151.__Small Business Ombudsman

The Governor shall appoint, within existing budgeted resources, an ombudsman within the Governor's office, referred to as "the Small Business Ombudsman," to work with the small business community in the State and state agencies. The Small Business Ombudsman shall:

1.__Advocate.__Advocate for the small business community with state agencies and seek ways to reduce paperwork requirements for small businesses;

2.__Seek ways to combine or coordinate inspections.__Seek ways that state agencies can combine or coordinate inspections of small businesses;

3.__Assist small businesses. Assist small businesses when they experience unfair regulatory actions or enforcement by state agencies;

4.__Work with small business community. Work with the small business community and state agencies in implementing section 8052, subsection 5-A, which requires agencies to minimize burdens on small businesses when issuing rules; and

5.__Study and reduce barriers. Study and reduce barriers within State Government to small businesses' and entrepreneurs' doing business in the State.

Sec. 2. 5 MRSA §56, first ¶, as enacted by PL 2001, c. 96, §1, is amended to read:

The Maine Regulatory Fairness Board, referred to in this section as the "board," is established to hear testimony and to report to the Legislature and the Governor at least annually 6 times a year on regulatory and statutory changes necessary to enhance the State's business climate.

Sec. 3. 5 MRSA §56, sub-§1, as amended by PL 2003, c. 681, §2, is repealed and the following enacted in its place: