Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes new rules for state agencies regarding a tracking system for permit applications, for the establishment of permit programs, and for annual reports.

Highlights:

• Requires a State agency to review the State agency’s permit decisions and permit decision delays within 60 days after the effective date of this act (Sec. 3).

• Requires a State agency to compile, maintain, and make available a complete list of all types of permits issued by the State agency (Sec. 4).

• Requires the list to include, but is not limited to, the following (Sec. 4):

• The program under which each permit is issued;

• The statutory and regulatory authority for each permit;

• The time frame when the state agency must issue each permit; and

• The average time frame within which a permit is actually issued.

• Requires a State agency to establish, maintain, and make available a secure tracking system for applicants to track the status of applications (Sec. 5).

• Requires the tracking system to include the following (Sec. 5):

• The processing time for each permit;

• The dates associated with the receipt of each permit;

• The estimated time remaining for each incomplete phase of the permit approval process; and

• The identity and contact information for the State agency employee assigned to answer questions about the application process.

• Requires a State agency to notify a permit holder in writing or electronically of the following (Sec. 7):

• The expiration date of a permit 60 days before the expiration;

• A change to a statute or regulation which may affect the permit; and

• A change in permit fees which may affect the renewal of the permit.

• Requires a permit issued prior to the effective date of a statute to remain valid under the provisions by which the permit was granted (Sec. 8).

• Requires a State agency to establish a permit program to review permit decision delays and resolve issues causing the delays within 180 days of the effective date of this section (Sec. 9).

• Requires a State agency to submit a report to the General Assembly containing the following no later than January 31 of each year (Sec. 10):

• The number of applications received;

• The number of applications reviewed by the State agency that received a decision without being referred to a third-party professional

• The average time frame for permit decisions from the State agency;

• The number of applications reviewed by third-party professionals;

• The average time frame for contracted third-party professionals to complete an application review; and

• The number of State agency employees reviewing permit applications.

Full Bill Text