Committee advances bill requiring applicants to notify legislators of large access‑permit applications

The committee approved amendments and advanced House Bill 1508, which requires applicants for type 2 and type 3 State Highway access permits to provide notice within 10 days of application to each General Assembly member representing the legislative district where the project would be located.

Delegate Cheryl Lewis reported that the subcommittee recommended the bill favorable with amendments that (1) shift the notice obligation from the State Highway Administration to the permit applicant and (2) limit the bill to larger (type 2 and 3) projects rather than smaller driveway work. The first amendment requires notice within 10 days by the permit applicant rather than SHA; the second amendment limits the scope to larger projects.

Why it matters: Sponsors said the measure increases transparency for legislators about large access‑permit applications in their districts and narrows the bill to projects with a substantial footprint. A member noted the amendments resolved a fiscal note concern.

Procedure and outcome: The committee adopted the amendments on a voice vote and moved the bill as amended; members explained votes and several members were added as cosponsors.

What happens next: The bill will continue through the legislative process with the amendments adopted in committee.