House panel adopts substitute for bill to designate permitting specialists

The House Committee on Economic Competitiveness on the adopted an H‑1 substitute to House Bill 5498 after sponsor Representative Borton argued the bill would streamline permitting by assigning agency staff to a primary subject area.

"Both large and small Michigan businesses depend on a permitting system that is predictable, easy to navigate, and responsive," Representative Borton told the committee, saying the bill would not change permitting standards but would create "clear accountability, greater consistency, less delay, and uncertainty." The committee adopted the H‑1 substitute by roll call.

The measure, as described by Borton, requires agencies to assign an employee to a primary subject area so that person can build expertise and serve as a reliable point of contact for applicants; colleagues could still assist outside their assigned area. Borton said the change is administrative and intended to speed review timelines rather than alter substantive permit requirements.

Committee members asked whether the bill would require additional department staff. Sponsors and the sponsors' representatives said the bill focuses on process and does not itself create new FTE requirements, describing the role as a reallocation or designation of existing staff to ensure a consistent contact for applicants.

The committee read a number of written statements in support from industry and business groups, including the Michigan Food Processors Association, the Michigan Farm Bureau, NFIB, the Mackinac Center and the Associated Builders and Contractors. Environmental groups listed on the record as not wishing to speak included the Sierra Club and the Michigan League of Conservation Voters.

The chair said the committee intends to vote the bills out next week and invited members to submit follow-up questions to the bill sponsors ahead of that vote.