The bill aims to enhance regulatory efficiency in Washington State by integrating Executive Order 25-03 into Chapter 43.42A of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), specifically focusing on the permitting and licensing processes. It amends several sections of the RCW to replace references to "permits" with "credentials," thereby broadening the scope to include various state-issued approvals such as licenses and certifications. The legislation emphasizes the importance of providing applicants with better information regarding credential decisions and mandates agencies to track and report the time taken to process credential applications, ensuring accountability and improved customer service.

Additionally, the bill requires each state agency to maintain entries in a statewide credential catalog, which must include detailed information about each credential, such as its name, type, purpose, application fees, requirements, and validity period. Agencies are tasked with regularly updating this information and establishing a central online repository for public access. The bill also sets specific 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 these deadlines, they must refund application fees unless prohibited by law. Overall, the legislation seeks to create a more streamlined and user-friendly experience for individuals and businesses seeking credentials, ultimately fostering a more efficient regulatory environment.

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