New Laws Would Streamline Business Regulations
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
A new state office and several regulatory changes would cut bureaucratic red tape and make it easier to do business in Rhode Island, according to a joint statement issued by the governor and General Assembly leaders today.
At the center of the reforms is the new Office of Regulatory Reform that Gov. Carcieri created through an executive order he issued today. The office would be part of the Rhode Island Development Corporation, or EDC.
Senate President M. Teresa Paiva-Weed said lawmakers were proposing a series of bills after hearing from small business owners who said the state makes it difficult to do business in Rhode Island.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“Through their work in the community, the members of the House Small Business Committee heard the message loud and clear that Rhode Island's regulatory process seems arbitrary and convoluted and often stands as a barrier to starting or expanding businesses,” added House Speaker Gordon Fox. “This package of legislation will help smooth the process and open the door to assist small businesses in Rhode Island.”
Carcieri said the state had to do more to support Rhode Island’s small businesses and strengthen the workforce.
A series of nine bills filed in the House and Senate would streamline the application process for licenses, permits, and regulatory review and increase the visibility of small business representatives on statewide business and economic development groups.
The proposed changes include the following:
● State agencies with regulatory or permitting authority over businesses could simultaneously review and make decisions on applications.
● Likewise, state agencies could simultaneously hold meetings on newly proposed rules.
● One small business representative would sit on the state Apprenticeship Council and fill four of the 12 seats on the EDC board of directors.
● Local Rhode Island companies would have preference in the awarding of state contracts for architectural, engineering, or consulting work.
The proposed legislation and executive order were unveiled today at the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce Business Expo.
