ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today announced preliminary recommendations of the Government Efficiency Commission to modernize the State of Maryland’s occupational permitting and licensing processes. The recommendations seek to increase efficiency in the vendor credentialing process, improving reliability and predictability in the permitting process and removing barriers to employment for all Marylanders.
“Modernizing State government is not just a talking point for us – it’s a governing philosophy,” said Gov. Moore. “As we continue to create new, good-paying jobs for Marylanders and growing our economy, we need to continue to cut unnecessary red tape. These recommendations will help open pathways to prosperity for hardworking families across our state.”
The
Transparent Government Act of 2024 established the Government Efficiency Commission and set forth a directive for
comprehensive review of all permits, licenses, and certifications issued by the executive branch to identify opportunities for modernization. Based on reports created by each agency and independent unit of government, the commission monitors and reviews permitting, licensure, and certification processes to promote greater regulatory reliability to businesses that are planning to invest in Maryland.
Based on the
report issued on December 1, 2024 by the Government Efficiency Commission, recommendations made to the governor and General Assembly to modernize the credentialing process include:
Establish a Maryland Coordinated Permitting Review Council modeled after the federal Permitting Council to foster efficient interagency coordination of reviews for priority projects.
Establish a unified permitting portal.
Ensure that all credentialing units have access to digital infrastructure necessary for expedient and efficient collection and processing of application and timeline tracking.
Focus initial reform efforts on 10 priority credentials and approval processes with high impact to Maryland’s workforce and businesses.
Reform criminal history background impacts on credential eligibility to remove barriers to lawful employment.
Establish a reporting system to ensure compliance with reporting requirements of the Transparent Government Act of 2024.
Review credentials that receive fewer than 50 applications annually to determine whether state approval is necessary.
The commission comprises 15 members, including Delegate Tiffany T. Alston (D-24); Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Kevin Anderson; Maryland Department of Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain; Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jacob Day; Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu; Maryland Department of Planning Secretary Rebecca Flora; Maryland Department of Health for Operations Deputy Secretary Clint Hackett; Maryland Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary Tony Bridges; Chief Performance Officer Asma Mirza; and Deputy Chief of Staff Manny Welsh. The Commission meets quarterly to review progress and provide direction and feedback.
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