SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5018

                    As of January 14, 1999

Title:  An act relating to the permit assistance center.

Brief Description:  Changing permit assistance center provisions.

Sponsors:  Senators B. Sheldon, Fraser and Swecker.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Environmental Quality & Water Resources:  1/15/99.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & WATER RESOURCES

Staff:  Richard Ramsey (786-7412)

Background:  The Permit Assistance Center was established within the Department of Ecology (DOE) by the Legislature in 1995 to provide assistance to businesses and public agencies in complying with the state=s environmental quality laws.  The center functions as a clearinghouse for information on environmental permits and, when requested, may function in a coordination role for specific projects.  The 1995 legislation provided for sunset of the center on June 30, 1999.

In a sunset review of the center, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee:  (1) found that DOE had complied with the Legislature=s intent in establishing the center and in implementing the coordinated permit process; (2) made recommendations for improving the center=s efficiency and effectiveness including modifying the center=s reporting requirements; and (3) recommended re-authorizing the center.

Summary of Bill:  The Permit Assistance Center is re-authorized and the sunset provisions are repealed.  The center=s reporting requirements are changed from annual to periodic and are focused on making recommendations for streamlining and coordinating environmental permitting and documenting the center=s performance.  The timing of negotiating for coordinated permitting services is modified.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 8, 1999.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed, except that Section 4, repealing the sunset provisions, is effective June 30, 1999.