Sec. 2c-7. Criteria for determining public need.

      Sec. 2c-7. Criteria for determining public need. In determining whether there is a public need for the continued existence of an entity or program, the General Assembly shall consider, among other things:

      (a) Whether termination of the entity or program would significantly endanger the public health, safety or welfare;

      (b) Whether the public could be adequately protected by another statute, entity or program, or by a less restrictive method of regulation;

      (c) Whether the governmental entity or program produces any direct or indirect increase in the cost of goods or services, and if it does, whether the public benefits attributable to the entity or program outweigh the public burden of the increase in cost, and

      (d) Whether the effective operation of the governmental entity or program is impeded by existing statutes, regulations or policies, including budgetary and personnel policies.

      (P.A. 77-614, S. 578, 610.)