This bill amends chapter 43.42A RCW, incorporates executive order 25-03 into that chapter, and adds new sections to create a statewide credential catalog and central online repository of credential information. It requires each agency that issues credentials to prepare and maintain catalog entries (which must include specified items such as credential name, authority, fees, application steps, published decision time, and assistance tools), and directs the office (in consultation with Washington Technology Solutions and credential-issuing agencies) to set technical standards, provide templates and guidance, and host a searchable, machine-readable single authoritative source. The bill imposes new tracking, reporting, and procedural requirements: agencies must record the time to make credential decisions and submit annual reports to the office by March 1 reporting the prior calendar year’s application counts, processing times (average and median application completion time and credential decision time), backlogs, and other data the office requires. Reported decision times must use calendar days; certain exclusions are allowed only with office approval and documented justification, and applications received or completed on or after January 1, 2025 may not be excluded because of data system deficiencies. Cabinet agencies must adopt and publish phased deadlines for final decisions on completed applications (25% of credentials by 1/1/2027, 50% by 1/1/2028, 75% by 1/1/2029, 100% by 1/1/2030). Unless prohibited by statute, agencies must refund the application fee if they fail to meet the published decision time; refunds must be reported. The office must post a progress report and, beginning with the 2027 reporting period, identify credentials most improved and most in need of improvement. The office may exclude credentials from refund requirements or grant additional time and may issue guidance on metrics and allowable exceptions. Legally, the act modifies existing law in chapter 43.42A RCW and adds new statutory provisions implementing procedural and transparency reforms, including a new administrative remedy (fee refunds) for missed published decision times. Important details are missing from the provided extracts: the full content of section 6(1) (which is referenced repeatedly and defines required data and the published decision time), portions of the amendments to RCW 43.42A.030 and RCW 43.42A.040 (the complete catalog specifications and other amended text), and any additional new sections beyond those summarized.

If enacted, state agencies that issue permits, licenses, or other credentials will have to measure and report how long they take to process completed applications, publish official decision time targets on a central public catalog, and meet a phased schedule to set those targets (25% of credentials by Jan 1, 2027; 50% by Jan 1, 2028; 75% by Jan 1, 2029; and 100% by Jan 1, 2030). Agencies must submit detailed annual performance data to the office by March 1 each year, update catalog entries when fees or timing change, and in many cases refund application fees if they miss a published decision time, so agencies are likely to face new administrative work, possible refund costs, and greater public scrutiny when published times are missed or when the office’s progress reports identify credentials in need of improvement. Applicants are likely to get clearer published timelines and, in many cases, a refund if an agency misses its deadline; applicants’ ability to have applications excluded from reports is limited, especially for applications received on or after January 1, 2025, which cannot be excluded due to data system problems. The office charged with the catalog will set technical standards, provide templates and guidance, host a searchable central repository, and publish progress reports beginning in 2027 that highlight improvements and problem areas, which may encourage agencies to streamline processes or face reputational risk. Important details needed to predict exact impacts are missing here—specifically the full content of section 6(1) (how decision times are defined and calculated), the complete catalog item list as amended, and the final amended texts of the cited RCW sections—so the scope of required data fields, precise refund exceptions, and some operational rules remain unclear.