Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Monday ordered a sweeping 120-day review of Arkansas’ permitting and licensing processes, moving to slash “red tape” for economic development projects.
The executive order requires each cabinet-level state agency and board or commission that issues permits, licenses, certifications, or other regulatory approvals to conduct a comprehensive review of all such processes.
Specific agencies mentioned in the order include the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Energy & Environment, the Department of Labor & Licensing, and the Department of Health.
Within 180 days of the order, those agencies must submit a written improvement plan to the governor focused on current performance metrics and proposed process improvements.
Where possible, the order requires agencies to establish clear, publicly available timelines for all major permits and licenses, develop “one-stop” online application portals, expand concurrent reviews across agencies, and provide applicants with real-time status updates and single points of contact.
“Arkansas is one of the best states in the nation to start, build, and grow a business – but we have to do better to compete across the country and globe,” Sanders said in a statement. “This Executive Order puts people before paperwork, adding transparency and speed to our permitting process to ensure major economic development projects aren’t held up by unnecessary red tape.
“Whether it’s for a barber getting a license, a city building new water lines, or an international corporation setting up a new supply chain, we want Arkansas to be the best place in America to do business.”
Cost-Cutting Agenda
The order is part of Sanders’ Arkansas Forward initiative, which launched in 2024 to save money and improve efficiency within state government. The governor’s office said the initiative has identified at least $300 million in potential cost savings and cost avoidance across five main areas: information technology, procurement, fleet management, personnel, and real estate.
“Reducing risk and removing uncertainty is an essential part of winning in business, and one of the key ways that we can derisk projects is through speedy and efficient permitting in the State of Arkansas,” Commerce Secretary Hugh McDonald said.
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