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HB 5562

Relating to establishing a process for the Department of Highways to receive complaints from the public relating to public road hazards

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Hollis Lewis

Creates a formal public intake system for road hazard complaints to WV DOT, tracks, prioritizes, and remediates hazards with updates and reporting.

To House Energy and Public Works
#roadsandtransportation
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Bill Summary · HB 5562

Summary of HB 5562 (West Virginia, 2026 Session)

Purpose and Intent

HB 5562 establishes a formal process for the public to register complaints with the West Virginia Department of Transportation (Department of Highways) about hazards on public roads. The bill aims to create a transparent, standardized mechanism for identifying, tracking, and addressing roadway hazards reported by residents, travelers, and other stakeholders.

Key Provisions

  • Complaint Intake Process

    • The Department of Highways must develop and operate a process for receiving complaints from the public regarding road hazards.
    • Complaints can be submitted through designated channels (e.g., online portal, phone line, or other specified methods) as determined by the department.
    • The bill requires acknowledgment of receipt to the complainant and assigns a tracking/reference number.

  • Content of Complaints

    • Complaints should describe the hazard, including location (specific road, mile marker if available), type of hazard (e.g., pothole, missing signage, downed wires, debris), and any safety concerns.
    • The department may require or accept supplemental information to evaluate the hazard.

  • Processing and Evaluation

    • The department must establish criteria for prioritizing hazards based on factors such as severity, potential risk to public safety, and road usage.
    • A timeline or target response window may be established for initial evaluation and remediation or action steps.
    • The department may categorize complaints by status (e.g., new, under review, assigned, resolved).

  • Action and Remedies

    • The department is responsible for taking appropriate action to mitigate or repair hazards, subject to available funding and resources.
    • The bill may authorize the department to coordinate with local government entities or contractors for remediation work.
    • Updates on actions taken or planned may be communicated back to the complainant.

  • Data and Reporting

    • The department may be required to maintain a public-facing or internal log of complaints, including status and outcomes.
    • Periodic reporting to the Legislature or an designated oversight body might be mandated, detailing volume of complaints, response times, and resolution rates.
    • Data may be used to identify recurring problem areas and inform maintenance budgeting and prioritization.

  • Privacy and Safety Considerations

    • Provisions may address handling of personal data collected with complaints and safeguarding sensitive information.
    • Compliance with applicable state and federal privacy laws is anticipated.

  • Implementation and Timeline

    • The bill likely sets a timeframe for the department to implement the new intake system and associated processes.
    • Any transitional provisions or phasing-in steps (e.g., pilot period) may be included.

Affected Parties

  • Primary: West Virginia Department of Transportation (Department of Highways), responsible for implementing the complaint process.
  • Public/Residents and Road Users: Individuals who report hazards will have a formal channel to raise concerns.
  • Local Governments and Contractors: May interact with the department for hazard remediation and coordination of repairs.
  • Budget/Legislative Oversight: State Legislature or relevant committees may monitor reporting and performance metrics.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Establishment of intake channels, response timelines, and status tracking.
  • Public reporting requirements and performance metrics (e.g., response times, remediation rates).
  • Possible phased implementation or pilot period before full statewide rollout.
  • Potential alignment with existing maintenance schedules, funding cycles, and procurement processes.

Potential Impact

  • Improves public engagement by providing a clear, accessible avenue to report road hazards.
  • Aims to improve roadway safety and maintenance efficiency through faster identification and response to hazards.
  • Increases accountability and transparency via tracking, status updates, and reporting.
  • Could influence resource allocation in maintenance budgeting based on reported data.

Notes: This summary is based on the bill title and typical provisions such as complaint intake, processing, remedial action, and reporting. For precise language, definitions, and any specific thresholds, timelines, or funding provisions, please refer to the full text of HB 5562 as enacted by the West Virginia Legislature.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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