SB29 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris ElliottSenator

Republican

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

Government issued licenses, permits, and certifications; time frame imposed for issuing licenses etc.; exceptions provided

Summary

The bill creates a default 45-day deadline for state and local governments to approve or deny licenses, permits, or certifications after a completed application, with deemed approval if the deadline passes (and the applicant does not waive it).

What This Bill Does

If no existing law already sets a deadline, the bill requires a state or local government to approve or deny a completed license or permit within 45 days of receiving it. It also obligates the agency to verify completeness within 15 days and notify any deficiencies. If the agency fails to act within 45 days, the license or permit is deemed approved and must be issued once the applicant pays the fee, unless the applicant has waived the deadline.

Who It Affects

• Applicants for licenses, permits, or other certifications (such as businesses or individuals) who would have a guaranteed 45-day decision window and the option to waive that deadline.
• State and local governmental bodies that issue licenses, as they must assess completeness within 15 days and decide within 45 days or face deemed approval, and must issue the license if the deadline passes and the fee is paid.

Key Provisions

• Completeness check: the agency must determine if an application is complete and, if not, notify the applicant of deficiencies within 15 calendar days.
• Decision window: after receiving a completed application, the agency must approve or deny within 45 calendar days (calendar days) for both state and local licenses.
• Deemed approval and waiver: if the agency does not act within 45 days, the license is deemed approved and must be issued upon payment of the applicable fee, unless the applicant has waived the deadline.
• Scope and effective date: the rule applies to state and local governmental bodies and becomes effective October 1, 2025; it applies only when no other law already provides a deadline for that license.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Government Administration