The Department of Revenue shall implement a pilot direct pay permit program as a means of collecting State and local occupation and use taxes. The Department may work with Illinois business taxpayers and their representatives to implement a direct pay permit pilot program and to set standards for participation in that pilot program. The Department shall select the participants for the pilot program, but participation shall be voluntary. The Department shall report the results of the pilot program to the General Assembly on or before January 1, 2001, with a recommendation as to whether a direct pay permit program should be implemented in Illinois. If the Department recommends that a direct pay program be implemented, the Department shall also recommend legislation to implement that program. The pilot program shall end no later than July 1, 2001.