S-4235.1
SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 5968
State of Washington
69th Legislature
2026 Regular Session
By Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections (originally sponsored by Senators Krishnadasan, Liias, and Shewmake; by request of Governor Ferguson)
READ FIRST TIME 01/26/26.
AN ACT Relating to improving regulatory efficiency by integrating executive order 25-03, concerning permitting and licensing processes, into chapter 43.42A RCW; amending RCW 43.42A.005 , 43.42A.010 , 43.42A.020 , 43.42A.030 , and 43.42A.040 ; and adding new sections to chapter 43.42A RCW.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
Sec. 1. RCW 43.42A.005 and 2014 c 68 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
(( On December 30, 2013, the Washington state auditor's office issued a performance audit report, finding that state agencies could shorten the time it takes to submit, review, and make decisions on business permit applications through simple improvements. In response to the performance audit findings, the legislature intends to improve the predictability and efficiency of permit decisions by making information about permitting assistance and timelines more readily available to the public. )) The legislature finds that providing (( citizens and businesses )) those applying for credentials with better information about (( permit )) credential decisions will assist their planning and decision making(( , promoting )) and promote economic development. Making (( permit )) credential performance data readily accessible to (( citizens )) applicants helps them hold government accountable to a high level of customer service and timeliness. Finally, requiring agencies to track the time it takes to issue (( permits )) credentials equips agency leaders with key information that can assist them in improving overall project schedules, better allocating resources, and identifying additional opportunities to better serve the public.