The proposed bill aims to establish the One Stop Shop Permitting Program in West Virginia, which will streamline the process of obtaining and renewing permits through the creation of a Permitting Dashboard. This online platform will allow users to easily access, research, apply for, and renew qualifying permits, while also enabling them to create private accounts for managing their applications and communications with regulatory agencies. The bill mandates that the Secretary of the Department of Administration coordinate the implementation of this program and provide necessary training and guidance. Additionally, it sets a deadline for the launch of the Permitting Dashboard by July 1, 2026.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a refund requirement for late processing of qualifying permits, stipulating that if a permit is not granted or denied within the established deadlines, the relevant agency must refund the application fees. The legislation also allows for the continued use of paper applications until January 1, 2027, after which the Permitting Dashboard will become the exclusive method for applying for permits, with exceptions for individuals with disabilities. The Secretary of Administration is empowered to create rules regarding processing deadlines and fees for expedited applications, ensuring that the program is efficient and user-friendly.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5A-13-1, 5A-13-2, 5A-13-3, 5A-13-4, 5A-13-5, 5A-13-6