(a) The department shall collect, publish, and make available to the public information about federal, state, and local laws regarding housing and community development. The department may provide a statistics and research service for the collection and dissemination of information affecting housing and community development.
(b) By June 30, 2019, the department shall complete a study to evaluate the reasonableness of local fees charged to new developments as defined by subdivision (b) of Section 66000 of the Government Code. The study shall include findings and recommendations regarding potential amendments to the Mitigation Fee Act to substantially reduce fees for residential development.