The bill amends the General Laws in Chapter 23-27.3, specifically adding a new section, 23-27.3-108.2, which outlines the duties of the state building code commissioner. It establishes the commissioner's authority to implement a uniform, statewide electronic permitting process for building permits and other state or local permits that significantly impact the expediency of construction and development. The electronic permitting process will include a uniform application, submission of building plans, and permit management, and will utilize computer-based tools to automate and streamline the application process.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section in Chapter 42-14, which requires the state building commissioner, with assistance from the office of regulatory reform, to adopt and implement electronic permitting for various state and local permits. The commissioner is tasked with developing a schedule for migrating permits to the electronic system and may charge an additional fee of one-tenth of one percent (0.001%) of the total application fee for each application submitted electronically. This fee will support the operation of a web-accessible service for the uniform electronic submission, review, and processing of permit applications.

The bill also mandates that all acts, requirements, filings, and documents necessary for compliance with the electronic permitting process be conducted electronically, according to a timetable set by the commissioner. Furthermore, the department of business regulation is required to reimburse annual fees and costs associated with compliance with this program. All state departments, offices, boards, and agencies must cooperate with the state building commissioner to provide necessary support for the implementation of this section. The act will take effect upon passage.