Introduced by Rep. Kelli Linville, (D-Bellingham) (D) on January 28, 2009, modifies provisions regarding the office of regulatory assistance. Clarifies that the RCW guidance on the office of regulatory assistance shall not be construed as a a restraint or abridgement of the the powers and duties granted to a participating permit agency. Each participating permit agency retains its authority to make all decisions on all nonprocedural matters with regard to the respective component permit that is within its scope of its responsibility including, but not limited to, the determination of permit application completeness, permit approval or approval with conditions, or permit denial. The office of regulatory assistance may not substitute its judgment for that of a participating permit agency on any such nonprocedural matters. (See also Companion SB 5748).
Referred to the House State Government and Tribal Affairs Committee on January 28, 2009.
Substitute offered in the House on February 17, 2009, to clarify the scope of the two required reports on agency performance and recommendations for system-wide improvements. The substitute creates definitions of "general coordination services" and "project scoping" from descriptions of these terms in the bill and clarifies additional provisions and removes duplication. The substitute passed in the House by voice vote on February 17, 2009.
Referred to the House Rules Committee on February 19, 2009.
Referred to the Senate Economic Developement, Trade & Innovation Committee on March 3, 2009.
Referred to the Senate Rules Committee on March 18, 2009.
Passed in the Senate (43 to 2) on April 3, 2009, provides additional specificity for services provided by the Office of Regulatory Assistance and clarifies expectations for permitting agencies and
project proponents seeking assistance with the permitting process. [Vote Details and Comments]
Signed by Gov. Christine Gregoire on April 15, 2009.