(1) The department, directly or by contract, shall implement continuing education programs to begin 6 months before the commencement of the public inspection program in a county. A continuing education program shall consist of a component designed to educate the general public about the motor vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance program and a component to inform those who will perform maintenance requirements under this part.

    (2) The department shall institute procedures and mechanisms to protect the public from fraud and abuse by inspectors, mechanics, and others involved in the inspection and maintenance program. This shall include a challenge mechanism by which a vehicle owner can contest the results of an inspection. It shall include mechanisms for protecting whistleblowers and following up on complaints by the public or others involved in the process. It shall include a program to assist owners in obtaining warranty-covered repairs for eligible vehicles that fail a test.

    (3) The department shall evaluate, inspect, and provide quality assurance for the inspection and maintenance program established under this part to ensure proper and accurate emission inspection results. The department shall be responsible for issuance of certificates of waiver and time extensions.

    (4) The department shall compile data and undertake studies necessary to evaluate the cost, effectiveness, and benefits of the motor vehicle inspection program. The department shall compile data on failure rate, compliance rate, the number of certificates issued, and other similar matters in accordance with 40 C.F.R. § 51.365 and 51.366. The department shall make an annual report on the operation of the motor vehicle inspection program to the standing committees of the legislature that primarily address issues pertaining to public health or protection of the environment by January 1, 1995, and each year thereafter.