Would make state agencies more responsible, efficient, and transparent
HARRISBURG – The Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee passed significant permitting reform legislation that will help retain existing employers and attract new employers to the Commonwealth according to the bill’s sponsors, Sens. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) and Greg Rothman (R-Cumberland/Dauphin/Perry).
Senate Bill 350 would require state agencies to create an accessible website system for applicants to check their application status. In addition, all the permits issued must be publicly accessible and if rejected, it must state the legal authority the agency relies on to reject the permit application. The measure would also build upon Gov. Josh Shapiro’s Executive Order he signed earlier this year to cut down on permitting delays and bureaucratic red tape. The legislation would require that a permit, license, or certification is deemed-approved by the state if the agency reviewing the application misses its statutory deadline.
“Cutting bureaucratic red tape that punishes working professionals, job creators, farmers, non-profits, local governments, and Pennsylvania taxpayers is a long-standing goal to turn our state around,” Phillips-Hill said. “Our residents work too hard to end up against a dead-end within their own state government. We need to show that Pennsylvania is open for business and Senate Bill 350 does just that.”
“Government delays are costing Pennsylvanians good-paying jobs,” Rothman said. “This bill holds government accountable and puts Pennsylvania on the map for growth and economic opportunity.”
This legislation now heads to the full Senate for its consideration.
Contacts:
Kiersten Laird (Phillips-Hill)
Morgan Wagner (Rothman)