Guam senators will hear testimony Thursday on a bill that would allow regulatory agencies to use outside help for permit reviews, and require conditional approval if the permit process isn't completed in 90 days.
The goal, according to the legislation, is to improve efficiency, ensure timely decisions and reduce procedural delays.
“Depending on the type of project, the review and approval process can take as short as several weeks to several years,” Bill 133-38 states. “Such delays in the process result in increased costs which the applicant must absorb.”
The bill authorizes agencies to use third-party entities to review permit applications, with the cost being paid by the applicants.
The law also states that permit applications will be conditionally approved if all documents are in order and the review process and agency decision are not completed within 90 days.
Under conditional approval, applicants can proceed with their projects. Conditional approval will be valid for the same amount of time as the permit, according to the bill.
The agencies would be required to establish guidelines and procedures for using third-party assistance and ensuring transparency in cost estimates.
