Committee hears testimony on bill to codify permit-deadline reporting and refund authority from Executive Order 25-03

Committee staff told lawmakers SB 5,968 would codify Executive Order 25-03 into statute so cabinet agencies must report permit and licensing decision times to the Office of Regulatory Innovation and Assistance, publish processing deadlines on a phased schedule and refund application fees when published deadlines are missed.

Danielle Creech explained the phased approach: by Jan. 1, 2027 each agency should publish decision times for 25% of its credentials, rising to 50% in 2028, 75% in 2029 and 100% by Jan. 1, 2030. The bill includes an annual reporting requirement (by March 1) and provides flexibility for the governor's office of regulatory assistance to grant additional time or waive requirements.

Beau Perschbacher, representing the governor's office, said the bill implements governor-request legislation and highlighted agency improvements since the executive order, including a 35% faster processing time for security guard licensing and reductions in cosmetology and liquor licensing backlogs. Labor and industry witnesses — including the Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council, UA Plumbers and Pipefitters, and the Washington Public Ports Association — said clearer timelines would protect workers, reduce delays and improve project predictability.

Business and agency witnesses also supported the bill. Emily Whitman (Association of Washington Business) gave examples of lost investment and long waits for Department of Health licensing. Shawna Fox (Department of Health) presented internal metrics showing reduced application backlogs and large percentage reductions for several license types since deployment of a new licensing system.

Witnesses emphasized the bill's goal to improve customer service and predictability without lowering licensing standards; the committee closed the hearing after taking public testimony and recording sign-ins.