Lamont Executive Order Overhauls Permitting, Licensing

Gov. Ned Lamont signed an executive order Jan. 15 designed to improve application and renewal processes for permits, licenses, and certifications.

Lamont said Executive Order No. 26-1 will make it “easier and faster” for businesses and residents to interact with state government.

“Connecticut residents deserve a state government that is as responsive as possible,” Lamont said.

“With this order, we are going to set specific standards that will let Connecticut residents and businesses know how long it will take for agencies to process their applications, and if that is not met they will get their money back.”

The order mandates that each state agency submit a list of its licenses, certifications, and permits—including application volumes, processing timelines, and recommended maximum review periods—by July 15, 2026.

The governor’s office will then publish standardized timelines and identify which permits will be eligible for fee refunds if agencies miss those deadlines.

Process Improvements

Agencies must then propose specific maximum decision windows for each license or permit type.

Businesses or individuals can request a refund if those deadlines are missed.

“Small businesses now have some predictability.”

CBIA’s Pete Myers

The executive order represents a significant shift for Connecticut.

“For years, businesses have faced uncertainty not from the regulations themselves, but from the unpredictable time it takes to navigate them,” said CBIA senior public policy director Pete Myers.

“Small businesses now have some predictability. This gives them the confidence to know that if they’re making an investment, they’ll get a response in a set time or get their money back.”

Incentivizing Development

Announcing the executive order in front of a brownfield redevelopment site behind Dunkin’ Park in Hartford, Lamont harkened back to a national pizza chain’s “30 minutes or less” ad campaign.

“This is what we’re doing here,” Lamont said. “We’re putting our money where our mouth is.”

RMS Companies president and CEO Randy Salvatore joined Lamont for the announcement, along with Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes and Department of Economic and Community Development deputy director Matt Pugliese.

“We’re putting our money where our mouth is.”

Gov. Ned Lamont

RMS Companies is investing $750 million in redeveloping the area around Dunkin’ Park.

Salvatore said permitting, environmental, and zoning reviews often take longer than they should—and can delay or derail a project.

“In no way are important inspections, regulations, and safety protocols sidestepped—this order just speeds up the process to get to the same objective and result a lot quicker,” he said.

Modernizing Government

The executive order also sets up a process to review and modernize digital services that residents and businesses use.

Many applications rely on manual systems and paper submissions which slows reviews and increases administrative burdens.

“We’re removing barriers.”

DECD’s Matt Pugliese

Modernizing systems will help the state improve efficiency and allow businesses to better track applications.

“By streamlining our permitting, licensing, and certifications, we’re removing barriers,” said Pugliese.

“We’re creating a clear, consistent process for businesses and communities.”

‘Right Direction’

CBIA Foundation director Dustin Nord said this change makes a big difference for people looking to start a new career.

“It gives people more confidence when they’re looking to get a license—whether it’s to become a plumber or open a hair salon—they’re going to get that license back in a reasonable amount of time,” he noted.

Nord said that uncertainty is a significant barrier to growing the state’s workforce.

“This is a step in the right direction.”

CBIA Foundation’s Dustin Nord

“Are we doing things that stand in the way of people reaching their full potential?” he asked.

“This is an area where Connecticut hasn’t always been competitive. This is a step in the right direction.”

The Lamont administration modeled the executive order after a recent initiative launched by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.