West Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session
West Virginia SB697: Relating to state road system
Status: Vetoed, April 1, 2026
What the bill says
An act to amend and reenact §17-4-49 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; and to amend the code by adding a new section, designated §17-4-49a, relating to the state road system; clarifying Commissioner of Highways' authority to review and direct changes in points of access to and from state highways; providing legislative findings; defining terms; establishing criteria for determining change of use to existing entrances to state highways; providing exemptions for certain operations; providing that certain existing entrances shall be treated as legally established by commissioner; au.
From the enrolled text, March 13, 2026:
AN ACT to amend and reenact §17-4-49 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; and to amend the code by adding a new section, designated §17-4-49a, relating to the state road system; clarifying Commissioner of Highways' authority to review and direct changes in points of access to and from state highways; providing legislative findings; defining terms; establishing criteria for determining change of use to existing entrances to state highways; providing exemptions for certain operations; providing that certain existing entrances shall be treated as legally established by commissioner; authorizing certain improvements be made to existing entrances without requiring permit; and providing for rulemaking. ARTICLE 4. STATE ROAD SYSTEM. §17-4-49. Same -- Points of commercial, etc.; access to comply; plans, objections and procedures for new points; review of and changes in existing points; commissioner's preliminary determination; requiring notice. (a) No new points of access to and from state highways from and to real property used or to be used for commercial, industrial, or mercantile purposes may be opened, constructed, or maintained without first complying with this section and §17-4-47 and §17-4-48 of this code. Access points opened, constructed, or maintained without compliance are unauthorized. (b) Plans for any new point of access shall be submitted to the Commissioner of Highways directly and the following rules shall apply: (1) Notice of …