February 27, 1999

Mr. Speaker:

Your JUDICIARY COMMITTEE, to whom has been referred

HOUSE ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILLS 203 & 325

has had it under consideration and reports same with recommendation that it DO PASS, amended as follows:

1. On page 3, between lines 6 and 7 insert the following new paragraph to read:

"(3) that if the department or local agency fails to take final action on a construction permit application within the deadlines specified in Paragraph (2) of this subsection, the department or local agency shall notify the applicant in writing that an extension of time is required to process the application and specify in detail the grounds for the extension;".

2. Renumber the succeeding paragraphs accordingly.

3. On page 4, between lines 8 and 9, insert the following new paragraphs and subparagraphs:

"(8) a method for accelerated permit processing that may be requested at the sole discretion of the applicant at the time the applicant submits a construction permit application and that:

(a) allows the department or local agency to contract with qualified outside firms to assist the department or local agency in its accelerated review of the construction permit application provided that the department or local agency can contract with a qualified firm that does not have a conflict of interest; and

(b) establishes a process for the department or local agency to account for the expenditure of the accelerated permit processing fees;

(9) allows for additional permit application fees, sufficient to cover the reasonable costs of an accelerated permit application review process. Before the applicant is notified that the permit application has been determined to be complete, the department or local board shall give the applicant a reasonable estimate of costs of an accelerated permit application review process;".

4. Renumber the succeeding paragraphs accordingly.

Respectfully submitted,

R. David Pederson, Chairman

Adopted Not Adopted

(Chief Clerk) (Chief Clerk)

The roll call vote was 9 For 0 Against

Yes: 9

Excused: Garcia, M.P., Luna, Vaughn

Absent: None

.128204.2

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