SB 6265-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Finds that there are numerous efforts ongoing to streamline and improve permitting processes. These include the work of the transportation permit efficiency and accountability committee, chapter 47.06C RCW, and the efforts of the office of regulatory assistance to develop an integrated permit system, chapter 245, Laws of 2003.

Declares that, while these efforts are ongoing and likely to yield procedural improvements in permit processing by 2006, there is an immediate need to coordinate permitting timelines for large, multiagency permit streamlining efforts.

Provides that with the agreement of all involved agencies and the permit applicant, state permitting agencies may make a determination of the timelines that will be used by each participating permit agency to make permit decisions, including the time periods required to determine if the permit applications are complete, to review the application or applications, and to process the component permits.

Provides that established timelines shall not be shorter than those otherwise required for each permit under other applicable provisions of law, but may extend and coordinate such timelines. The goal of the established timelines is to achieve the maximum efficiencies possible through concurrent studies and consolidation of applications, permit review, hearings, and comment periods.

Declares that a timeline established under this act with the agreement of each permitting agency shall commit each permitting agency to act within the established timeline.