AN ACT Relating to establishing the joint task force on permit streamlining; creating new sections; providing an expiration date; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The joint task force on permit streamlining is created 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.

(2) The joint task force shall consist of the following twelve legislative members:

(a) Six members of the house of representatives, three from the majority party and three from the minority party, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; and

(b) Six members of the senate, three from the majority party and three from the minority party, appointed by the majority leader of the senate.

(3) The joint task force may appoint an advisory committee of advisors and experts to provide input on various subjects. For purposes of this subsection, "advisors and experts" includes, but is not limited to, representatives of: Cities; counties; environmental groups; business organizations; building industry; land use planners, attorneys, and consultants; tribes; the office of the governor; and state agencies with planning functions and/or permit authority.

(4) Members of the joint task force shall be reimbursed for travel expenses as provided in RCW 44.04.120. The staff of senate committee services and the office of program research of the house of representatives shall staff the joint task force.

(5) The joint task force shall be cochaired by one senator and one state representative appointed by the senate majority leader and the speaker of the house of representatives respectively.

(6) Any final findings, conclusions, or recommendations of the joint task force must be agreed to by a majority of the members; however, minority findings, conclusions, or recommendations may be included that are submitted by any member or group of members.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. (1) The joint task force on permit streamlining shall consider the following objectives:

(a) 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;

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

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

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

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

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

(2) The joint task force shall make recommendations for legislation and policy regarding the objectives identified in subsection (1) of this section.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. 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.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. This act expires June 1, 2003.