HB 2735-S.E - DIGEST

(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 2/12/02)

     Creates the joint task force on permit streamlining to evaluate the effectiveness of state land use, planning, environmental, and permitting statutes to coordinate and streamline permit review processes and to consider whether any changes are needed to these laws to facilitate such coordination and streamlining, while ensuring protection of the environment.

     Requires the joint task force on permit streamlining to consider the following objectives:  (1) Development of a coordinated permit process for all required project permits.  This process must be applied with certainty, consistency, and assurance of swift permit action, while ensuring environmental protection and best management practices;

     (2) Improvement in the coordination of state and local agencies in reviewing and responding to project permit applications;

     (3) Reduction in delays associated with project permit review so that permit decisions are made in a timely and predictable manner;

     (4) Enhancement of state and local agencies' responsiveness to concerns about project review processes and decisions from project permit applicants or interested parties;

     (5) Identification of resource problems that affect the ability of permitting agencies to issue permits in a timely manner; and

     (6) Examination of a means to expedite permit processing when more stringent environmental standards are agreed upon.

     Declares that the joint task force shall commence May 1, 2002, and present a final report and any legislative proposals to the legislature by January 10, 2003.