(a) On its own initiative or at the request of any interested person, the board shall prepare a written advisory opinion about:
(1) an interpretation of this chapter or Chapter 1071; or
(2) the application of this chapter or Chapter 1071 to a person in regard to a specified existing or hypothetical factual situation.
(b) The board shall respond to requests for opinions within 180 days unless the board affirmatively states the board's reason:
(1) for not responding to the request within 180 days; or
(2) for not responding to the request at all.