Washington House Democrats

Improved regulatory assistance and services for businesses delivered in House bills

OLYMPIA – Two bills passed by the House yesterday offer better regulatory assistance, permit streamlining and access to start-up services for small businesses.

"Businesses need clarity on regulations and permitting," said Rep. Kelli Linville (D-Bellingham), a sponsor on the bills. "These bills can help businesses succeed through regulatory improvement and support for both virtual and physical small business incubators."

House Bill 2631 gives the Office of Regulatory Assistance (ORA) more authority to streamline regulations that affect businesses. The ORA, created in 2003 by a Linville bill, helps answer permitting questions and provides access to information about state regulations. In addition, the ORA assists with coordinating between the layers of state, local, and federal permit review.

This year’s bill gives ORA the ability to help projects plan for permitting before the projects begin, and coordinate the permit process.

The office will ensure that citizens, businesses, and local governments have access to, and clear information regarding, regulatory processes for permitting and business regulation, including state rules, permit and license requirements, and agency rule-making processes.

A small business assistance measure, House Bill 3115, makes sure small business incubators are qualified to help small businesses get started. Another aspect of the bill allows "virtual" incubators, nonprofit organizations that deliver services such as business planning, market research, and financial planning to start-up firms.

"Many new businesses don’t need a physical space, but they do need business services," said Linville. "This bill allows organizations like the Northwest Agriculture Business Center to qualify for grants, and gives clear accountability for their work."

Both bills now move to the Senate for consideration.

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HB 2631: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=2631&year=2007 

HB 3115: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=3115&year=2007 

Office of Regulatory Assistance: http://www.ora.wa.gov/