FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 6265

C 32 L 04

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Improving the efficiency of the permitting process when multiple agencies are involved.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Land Use & Planning (originally sponsored by Senators Swecker, Doumit, Oke, Mulliken, Horn, Jacobsen, Sheahan, Hale, Rasmussen and Murray).

Senate Committee on Land Use & Planning

House Committee on State Government

Background: A number of efforts are underway in the state to streamline and improve the way in which regulatory permits are issued. Improvements are likely to be realized by the year 2006.

Summary: The Legislature finds that there is an immediate need for coordination of permit timelines for large, multiagency permit efforts.

State permitting agencies are authorized to enter into agreements with permit applicants and each other for the purpose of setting the timelines they will use for making permit decisions. The timelines must not be shorter than they would otherwise be but may be extended and coordinated. The goal is to achieve maximum efficiency by means of concurrent studies and consolidation of applications, review, comment periods, and hearings. The agencies are required to commit to the timelines set in the agreement. The 45-day limit in the hydraulic code can be extended for this purpose.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate       48  0

House       94  0

Effective: June 10, 2004