This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to establish a clear timeline for the Department of Highways (DOH) regarding the approval of entrance permits for work on highways. Specifically, it mandates that the DOH must approve or deny a permit request within 60 days of application. If the DOH fails to respond within this timeframe, the permit is automatically considered approved. Additionally, if changes to the permit application are requested, the applicant is allowed only one request for changes, which must be fully addressed for the permit to be considered satisfied. In cases where the application is contested, the DOH has 30 days to respond, or the original request will also be deemed approved.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that any denial of a permit must be contested in magistrate court within 30 days of the denial. It also introduces penalties for violations of these provisions, classifying them as misdemeanors with fines ranging from $25 to $100 for each offense. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the permit process and ensure timely responses from the DOH while providing a clear legal framework for applicants.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17-16-6