The proposed bill would update current statutes by prohibiting counties and municipalities from maliciously delaying responses to licenses, approvals, or permits for single-family residential construction. Specifically, it would insert provisions that empower the Attorney General to enforce these prohibitions, allowing for civil penalties of $5,000 for each violation. The bill also clarifies the definition of "malicious" to mean acting in bad faith or with intent to obstruct, while excluding delays caused by resource constraints or good faith errors from this definition.

Additionally, the bill would introduce expedited judicial review for claims related to malicious delays, establishing a framework for swift court procedures. This includes requirements for initial case management conferences and timely resolutions, ensuring that plaintiffs can seek quick remedies in superior court. Overall, these updates aim to enhance accountability and efficiency in the licensing process for residential construction, minimizing the negative impacts of delays on property owners.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 9-500.54, 11-269.31, 41-710.04
Senate Engrossed Version: 9-500.54, 11-269.31, 12-1139, 9-835