Bill > HB5562

This bill establishes a system for the Division of Highways to receive, track, and address reports of dangerous conditions on state roads, requiring multiple reporting methods like a toll-free hotline, online portal, and mobile app, and specifying that reports can include issues such as potholes, damaged guardrails, or obstructed roadways. The Division will assign unique tracking numbers to each report, classify the severity of the hazard, and record when it's verified, repaired, and resolved, while also maintaining a public online dashboard showing the status of reports. If a reported hazard is on a county or municipal road, the Division must forward the report to the appropriate local authority. The bill also mandates an annual report to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance detailing the number of reports, response times, and recommendations for improvement. Importantly, submitting a report through this system serves as official notice to the Division of Highways about a road condition, and the state will be liable for damages if the Division receives actual notice of a hazard and negligently fails to fix it within a reasonable time, though this liability is limited and does not waive sovereign immunity beyond what is explicitly stated. The Commissioner is also granted authority to create rules to implement this section, including procedures for hazard classification and record-keeping, while ensuring the privacy of those reporting hazards.

Transportation and Infrastructure

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5562&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill