Should NH give state agencies less time to review and approve business permit and license applications?

In his State of the State speech February 15, Governor Chris Sununu urged the Legislature to pass a bill that will cut down on the time state agencies have to respond to various permit and license applications.

The bill, HB 1104, is aimed at cutting red tape for businesses in New Hampshire.

About HB 1104

HB 1104 primarily reduces the time the state has to review various permit and license applications. For example, HB 1104 gives the Department of Environmental Services just 30 days to review wetlands permits, instead of 75. As another example, the Liquor Commission would only have 30 days, instead of 60, to respond to an application for a liquor license.

HB 1104 also also requires the secretary of state to allow all-online filing for businesses. According to the Department of State, all but fifteen business filings can already be done online.

Arguments in favor of shorter deadlines

Supporters of HB 1104 argue it will make it less costly to do business in New Hampshire, since businesses won’t have to wait as long for permission from the state.

“House Bill 1104, when it is complete and signed into law, will streamline permitting processes, modernize our corporate filing systems, reduce confusion and inconsistencies in local regulations, and stimulate our workforce development efforts by making it easier for professionals to move to and work in our great State.”

- Gov. Chris Sununu

Arguments against stricter time limits

Opponents of HB 1104 argue that rushing the permitting process will make it difficult to make sure businesses are following the law. State agencies may also need to hire more employees to meet the shorter deadlines.

“A simple cut of permit time frames will have far-reaching negative consequences, including more denials of permits, costly appeals, and inadequate performance of the environmental protection responsibilities that the legislature has given the agency.”

- Rep. Judith Spang

Do you think NH should give state agencies less time to review and approve permit and license applications? Share your opinion in the comments below.