The executive order directs state agencies to review existing rules and statutes to identify ways to eliminate unnecessary requirements, ease regulatory burdens and modernize administrative requirements. Agencies must submit initial reports within eight months recommending changes based on that review.

“There are few things that frustrate me more than bureaucracy that gets in the way of serving the people,” Ferguson said. “This executive order helps us reduce unnecessary burdens and strengthen Washington’s economic competitiveness.”

The order also pauses new agency rulemaking that would impose new regulatory requirements on businesses, individuals or other regulated entities, with limited exceptions such as responding to imminent threats or binding legal requirements.

Starting Friday, Dec. 4, agencies will not initiate new rulemaking that would impose new regulatory requirements. The pause is set to last six months.

The initiative will be led by the Governor’s Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance, in coordination with the Governor’s Office and the Office of Financial Management.

Ferguson’s office said improving government efficiency has been a priority since his first day in office, noting that he signed an executive order within minutes of being sworn in to speed up permitting times at state agencies. The governor’s office cited several examples of reduced processing times:

The Department of Licensing cut processing time by almost 50% across its 340 licenses and permits, from 46 days to 25 days, and all license types are being processed in 30 days or less with no backlogs.

The Department of Labor and Industries reduced processing time for new contractor registrations by 75%, from 12 weeks to three weeks.