1. The board shall:

(1) Provide state agencies with input regarding rules that adversely affect small businesses;

(2) Solicit input and conduct hearings from small business owners and state agencies regarding any rules proposed by a state agency; and

(3) Provide an evaluation report to the governor and the general assembly, including any recommendations and evaluations of state agencies regarding regulatory fairness for Missouri’s small businesses. The report shall include comments from small businesses, state agency responses, and a summary of any public testimony on rules brought before the board for consideration.

2. In any inquiry conducted by the board because of a request from a small business owner, the board may make recommendations to the state agency. If the board makes recommendations, such recommendations shall be based on any of the following grounds:

(1) The rule creates an undue barrier to the formation, operation, and expansion of small businesses in a manner that significantly outweighs the rule’s benefits to the public; or

(2) New or significant economic information indicates the proposed rule would create an undue impact on small businesses; or

(3) Technology, economic conditions, or other relevant factors justifying the purpose for the rule has changed or no longer exists; or

(4) If the rule was adopted after August 28, 2004, whether the actual effect on small businesses was not reflected in or significantly exceeded the small business impact statement submitted prior to the adoption of the rules.

3. Subject to appropriations, by a majority vote of the board, the board may hire a one-half full-time equivalent employee for clerical support and a full-time equivalent employee with total salaries funded from the department of economic development appropriations up to one hundred fifty thousand dollars adjusted annually for inflation for professional positions to:

(1) Conduct internet website additions, corrections, and deletions;

(2) Develop training programs for agencies;

(3) Send regulatory alerts to interested small business subscribers;

(4) Track small business comments regarding agencies and review and respond to the agency and small business accordingly;

(5) Prepare for board meetings and hearings, including outreach, travel, agendas, and minutes;

(6) Prepare member maintenance expense reports and appointments;

(7) Analyze small business impact statements. After such analysis, the employee shall review such statements, offer suggestions, and work with agencies to meet the statute requirements;

(8) Analyze biannual report reviews;

(9) Conduct agency correspondence and training;

(10) Conduct small business outreach by speaking at chamber and association events;

(11) Review the Missouri Register and other sources to look for proposed rules that may affect small business.

4. Subject to appropriations, the board may receive additional funds for:

(1) Upkeep of its internet website;

(2) Information technology;

(3) Mileage for board members;

(4) Publication, printing, and distribution of annual reports;

(5) Outreach costs; and

(6) Expenses and equipment for the one and one-half full-time equivalent employee of the board.

5. A majority vote of the board members shall be required for the hiring, retention, and termination of board employees. All duties of board employees shall be dedicated solely to the support of and for the furtherance of the purpose and mission of the board.