The bill seeks to improve regulatory efficiency in Washington State by incorporating Executive Order 25-03 into Chapter 43.42A of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), specifically targeting the permitting and licensing processes. It replaces references to "permits" with "credentials," thereby expanding the definition to encompass various state-issued approvals, including licenses and certifications. The legislation emphasizes the need for better information dissemination regarding credential decisions to aid applicants in planning and stimulate economic development. Additionally, it mandates that agencies track and report the time taken to process credential applications, enhancing accountability and customer service.

To further streamline the credentialing process, the bill requires each state agency to maintain a statewide credential catalog that includes comprehensive details about each credential, such as its name, type, purpose, application requirements, fees, and validity period. Agencies must regularly update this information and establish a central online repository for public access. The bill also sets deadlines for agencies to achieve efficient processing times for credential applications, with a goal of 100% compliance by January 1, 2030. If agencies fail to meet their published decision times, they must refund application fees unless legally prohibited. Comprehensive progress reports on agency performance will be required to ensure transparency and consistency in the credentialing process.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 43.42A.005, 43.42A.010, 43.42A.020, 43.42A.030, 43.42A.040