summary
Introduced
02/18/2026
02/18/2026
In Committee
02/18/2026
02/18/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Creates the Municipal Assistance and Permit Review Reform Act. Provides that, by January 1, 2027, each State agency that requires authorization or environmental review of municipal construction or public works projects shall develop a web portal to be posted on the agency's website for the purpose of enhancing review and promoting timely issuance of permits required. Specifies the information an agency must make available on its web portal. Provides that, if an applicant submits a completed permit application to an agency for a covered project in accordance with all applicable State and federal law and there is no final action by the agency, then (1) the application is automatically approved after 180 days if notice and opportunity for public hearing are not required by State or federal law; and (2) the application is automatically approved after 270 days if notice and opportunity for public hearing are required by State or federal law. Amends the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act. Removes language providing that a governmental agency of the State is not required to use or permit the use of electronic records or electronic signatures. Provides that the State Board of Elections is exempt from the requirement to accept electronic records and signatures. Effective immediately.
AI Summary
This bill, titled the Municipal Assistance and Permit Review Reform Act, aims to streamline the permitting process for municipal construction and public works projects by requiring all state agencies that oversee such projects to create a dedicated web portal by January 1, 2027, where they must post checklists, guidance, and application forms to improve transparency and accessibility. Furthermore, if a municipality submits a complete permit application for a "covered project" (defined as a municipal infrastructure or public works construction project requiring state agency authorization or environmental review) and the agency takes no final action, the permit will be automatically approved after 180 days if public hearings are not required by law, or after 270 days if they are. The bill also amends the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, removing a provision that allowed government agencies to opt out of using electronic records and signatures, thereby encouraging their adoption, though the State Board of Elections is specifically exempted from this requirement.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Assignments (on 02/18/2026)
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