May I suggest that you get ahold of a copy of one of the books about starting a busines in Texas. (There is at least one publisher that publishes state specific books.)
It will walk you through the steps of all the offices needed to start a buisness. Three are various offices that you will need to contact for business licences and such.
If you need to modify a buiding to put in a fume hood or add lab benches (a building permit is requried), you will be in touch with zoning officials. The local zoning office should be able to tell you if there are any specific restrictions regarding laboratories in the area in which you wish to set up shop. And even if you do not modify a building, local zoning officals may be of help.
You will be requried to be familiar with state and federal regulation with regard to storage and disposal of hazardous materials. For instance, if you store substantial quantities of flamable solvents, the fire department needs to know.
For disposal of solvets and such, there are companies that will come by and pick up properly labeled containers of hazardous waste and dispose of them properly. And, they may be able to help you with the proper procedures for collection, labeling, and storges of those wastes.
Not a complete or direct answer, but I hope it will help you find teh right peopel to talk with.