(a) The department shall administer a common electronic system using the Internet through which a licensing entity can electronically:
(1) send occupational licenses and other documents to persons regulated by the licensing entity and to the public;
(2) receive applications for occupational licenses and other documents for filing from persons regulated by the licensing entity and from the public, including documents that can be electronically signed if necessary; and
(3) receive required payments from persons regulated by the licensing entity and from the public.
(b) The department may implement this section in phases. Each licensing entity that participates in the system established under this section shall comply with the schedule established by the department.
(c) The department may use any Internet portal established under a demonstration project administered by the department.
(d) The department may exempt a licensing entity from participating in the system established by this section if the department determines that:
(1) the licensing entity has established an Internet portal that allows the performance of the functions described by Subsection (a); or
(2) online license renewal for the licensing entity would not be cost-effective or in the best interest of the project.