Pennsylvania Statutes Title 73 P.S. Trade and Commerce § 399.43. Office of Small Business Advocate

(a) Office established.--There is hereby established within the Department of Commerce  1 an Office of Small Business Advocate to represent the interest of small business consumers before the commission.

(b) Small Business Advocate.--The Governor shall appoint a Small Business Advocate, which appointment shall be subject to the approval of a majority of the members elected to the Senate. The Small Business Advocate shall serve as Small Business Advocate until a successor is appointed and qualified.

(c) Qualifications.--The Small Business Advocate shall be a person who by reason of training, experience and attainment is qualified to represent the interest of small business consumers. Compensation shall be set by the Executive Board.

(d) General restrictions.--No individual who serves as a Small Business Advocate shall, while serving in such position, engage in any business, vocation or other employment, or have other interests, inconsistent with his official responsibilities, nor shall he seek or accept employment nor render beneficial services for compensation with any “person” or “corporation,” as defined in 66 Pa.C.S. § 102 (relating to definitions), subject to the authority of the commission during the tenure of the appointment and for a period of two years after the appointment is served or terminated.

(e) Political office restrictions.--Any individual who is appointed to the position of Small Business Advocate shall not seek election nor accept appointment to any public office during the tenure as Small Business Advocate and for a period of two years after the appointment is served or terminated.

(f) Secretary of Commerce restrictions.--The Secretary of Commerce shall have administrative responsibilities for the office only and shall not be responsible, in any manner, for the policies, procedures or other substantive matters developed by the Office of Small Business Advocate in carrying out its duties under this act to represent the small business consumer.