Requires the state building commissioner to implement electronic permitting for any category of state or local permit authorized under state law to significantly impact the expediency of construction and development.
Impact
The introduction of this bill represents a significant shift in how permits are managed within the state. With the transition to electronic systems, local governments and state agencies will be required to adapt their current workflows to integrate these digital processes. Not only is this expected to speed up permit issuance and approvals, but it will also create a more transparent system that stakeholders can access online. This change could help drive development projects forward more rapidly, benefitting local economies.
Summary
Bill S0978 aims to modernize the permitting process for state and local permits by mandating the implementation of electronic permitting for these applications. The bill empowers the state building commissioner to establish a standardized electronic permitting system, which will streamline the application process, enhance efficiency, and ultimately facilitate expedient construction and development in Rhode Island. By adopting electronic permitting, the legislation seeks to reduce administrative burdens and improve service delivery to contractors and developers.
Contention
While the bill appears to bring various efficiencies, there may be points of contention regarding its implementation. Critics could argue that the transition to an electronic system could impose challenges for smaller municipalities, which may lack the resources or technical infrastructure to support such systems. Furthermore, the requirement for fee adjustments and contributions to support the new electronic system raises questions of financial fairness among local governments and developers. This legislative change may provoke discussions on how best to balance state oversight with local autonomy, especially concerning building code interpretations and enforcement.
Amends various provisions relative to the duties of the state building commissioner and would establish a building code education and training unit to educate building officials and inspectors statewide.
Amends various provisions relative to the duties of the state building commissioner and establishes a building code education and training unit to educate building officials and inspectors statewide.
Consolidates and transfers the duties of the state building inspector to the state building code commissioner and establish a state building code education and training academy.
Establishes a new article in the state building code that provides that certain new housing construction contain at least one floor that meets the requirements for a Type C "ANSI'' Standards for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities.
Makes amendments to various provisions relative to subdivision of land review, review stages, special provisions related to development and the procedures for approvals from various permitting authorities.
Requires State to adopt practices to reduce SNAP benefits theft and to replace stolen SNAP benefits under certain circumstances; upgrades criminal penalties for SNAP benefits theft; makes appropriation.
Requires DHS and DOH, respectively, to provide information on SNAP, WFNJ, and WIC recipients regarding card skimming, cloning, and similar fraudulent activities and to replace stolen benefits; makes appropriation.
Requires DHS and DOH, respectively, to provide information on SNAP, WFNJ, and WIC recipients regarding card skimming, cloning, and similar fraudulent activities and to replace stolen benefits; makes appropriation.
Requires the state building commissioner to implement electronic permitting for any category of state or local permit authorized under state law to significantly impact the expediency of construction and development.
Requires "Electronic Permit Processing Review System" in DCA to enable applicant to submit electronic signature and certain other submission materials for permit application review.