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Committee advances bill to set state agency permit timelines to match local shot clocks
Summary
AB 301 would require state agencies to adhere to prescribed review timelines for permit comments that align with local permitting deadlines; the Assembly committee voted to send the measure to Appropriations.
Assemblymember Shavo presented AB 301, a bill that would impose a consistent timeline for state agency review and comments on building permits so that state agencies meet the same deadlines local jurisdictions face. The bill would apply existing “shot clocks” to state departments whose review is necessary for projects to proceed.
Corey Smith, executive director of the Housing Action Coalition, testified in favor of the bill, citing delays at state agencies such as the Department of Toxic Substances Control and the California Coastal Commission as drivers of cost increases and project redesigns. Smith told the committee that some projects have been reconfigured to avoid particular jurisdictions because of delay risk and that prompt state review would reduce costs and speed housing production.
Supporters argued the bill is a modest government‑efficiency reform that prevents state reviews from becoming bottlenecks. The author said the bill includes provisions allowing agencies additional time for substantive site‑specific issues, such as contamination investigations. Questions from committee members focused on ensuring agencies retain capacity to perform safety reviews when those are warranted.
Committee members moved and seconded the bill and voted to refer AB 301 to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
