Olsen Bill to Streamline Permitting and Licensing Passes First Committee

SACRAMENTO—Today, Assembly Bill 991 by Assemblymember Kristin Olsen, R-Modesto, won the unanimous approval of the Assembly Business, Professions and Consumer Protection Committee.  This bill creates the California Licensing and Permit Center, an online one-stop-shop for state level permits and licenses.

“The state's complex permitting system is costly, time-consuming, and confusing to businesses,” said Assemblymember Olsen. “By providing a one-stop-shop for permit and license applications, AB 991 will help foster an improved business climate in California, encouraging businesses to grow and create jobs." 
Currently, a business owner could be required to contact nine or more state departments for a single business.  AB 991 will streamline the permitting, licensing, and registration process by allowing individuals to download applications required by all state agencies from one user-friendly Web site.

"At a time when businesses are struggling in California, AB 991 will help them navigate the system and cut through red tape," said John Kabateck, NFIB/CA Executive Director.  “AB 991 will also encourage business to grow and create new jobs in California - something that is desperately needed to pull the state out of this recession."

AB 991 seeks to use an existing Web portal established by Executive Order S-05-10 as the one-stop-shop for all state permits and licenses.  The bill also requires the state to operate a help center in association with the Web site, via both electronic mail and telephone methods, to assist applicants with licensing, permitting, and registration requirements.  
AB 991 now heads to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for consideration.