The bill amends Section 23-27.3-108.2 of the General Laws to enhance the duties of the state building code commissioner, specifically regarding the implementation of electronic permitting for construction permits and development applications. The commissioner is required to adopt and implement electronic permitting for any category of state or local permit authorized under state law that significantly impacts the expediency of construction and development. This includes developing a schedule for migrating state and local permits to electronic permitting.

The bill defines electronic permitting as the use of computer-based tools and services that automate and streamline the application process, including tasks such as submission of plans, plan review, permitting, and project tracking. For permits designated to migrate to electronic permitting, the issuing agency or municipality must charge an additional fee of one-tenth of one percent (.01%) of the total application fee, which will be used to support the development and operation of a web-accessible service for uniform electronic submission and processing of permit applications.

The state building commissioner may promulgate rules and regulations to implement these provisions and is tasked with ensuring that all necessary acts, requirements, and documents for designated permits are conducted electronically according to a timetable set by the commissioner. The department of business regulation is responsible for reimbursing annual fees and costs associated with compliance with this program.

All state departments, offices, boards, and agencies are required to cooperate with the state building commissioner to provide necessary support for the implementation of this electronic permitting system. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5509: 23-27.3-108.2