The public counsel:
(1) is entitled to the same access as a party, other than department staff, to department records available in a proceeding before the commissioner or department under the authority granted to the public counsel by this chapter; and
(2) is entitled to obtain discovery under Chapter 2001, Government Code, of any nonprivileged matter that is relevant to the subject matter involved in a proceeding or submission before the commissioner or department as authorized by this chapter.