Maryland Business Regulatory Commission Submits First Report to Governor Larry Hogan

ANNAPOLIS, MD - Governor Larry Hogan has received the first of three reports from the Maryland Regulatory Reform Commission. In July, the governor established the commission through Executive Order 01.01.2015.20 for the purpose of conducting a comprehensive review of Maryland’s regulatory climate.

The commission, consisting of two co-chairs and 10 members, was tasked with identifying and making recommendations to resolve the regulations and issues negatively impacting Maryland’s business environment, while continuing to protect the health, safety, and welfare of Marylanders.

The first report, which is divided into three sections, recommends 12 ways to improve the state’s regulatory and business climate including:

• Restructure and Reform State Government
• Create a One-Stop Shop for Licensing
• Adopt Electronic Documentation and Online Filings
• Streamline the Review Process for Development
• Consolidate Professional Licenses
• Reduce Fees and Payment Frequency
• Fully Embrace Nutrient Pollution Trading
• Revise Brownfields Guidelines
• Eliminate Obstacles to Mortgage Lender Licensing
• Expand Minority and Disadvantaged Business Opportunities
• Review Vineyard and Food Truck Requirements
• Review State Procurement Process

“By streamlining Maryland’s regulatory climate and raising our standards for customer service, our administration hopes to provide the environment employers need to grow and succeed,” said Governor Hogan. “I look forward to reading the commission’s recommendations about how to restore a fair, accountable, and balanced regulatory climate for Maryland’s businesses.”

The initial report is based on input from more than 500 citizens obtained through six public outreach meetings, as well as departmental meetings and commission research. As outlined by the executive order, the commission will submit additional recommendations to improve Maryland’s regulatory climate in a written report due no later than December 1st of each year with the final report due to the governor no later than December 1, 2017.

View the complete Regulatory Reform Commission report here.