The Lancaster Chamber of Commerce & Industry today released a statement supporting House Bill 2022, the Pennsylvania Business Permitting Portal Act.

The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Michael Peifer, R-Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties, would create a portal for business owners to complete forms for certifications, permits, licenses and registrations for establishing a business in the state.

The portal would be run by the state Department of Community & Economic Development, which would review the submissions and work with state agencies and business owners to complete the process.

According to the bill, the online portal would provide:

• Electronic submissions for applications and fees.
• Tracking for pending applications and payments.
• Use of electronic signatures.
• Checklists customized for applicants.
• Online communications with state agencies to complete the process.
• A list of local permit application resources.

"Pennsylvania's regulatory climate is a constant financial burden on job creators and obtaining business permits, licenses, certifications, applications, forms and registrations to start and operate a business in Pennsylvania is far too confusing, time consuming and costly," the chamber said in its statement.

The legislation would streamline the permitting process and bring jobs to the state because of the improvement, the chamber said.

The House passed HB 2022 on Feb. 7.