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Committee advances SB 67 to streamline permits for sanctioned motorsports events
Summary
The Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on a voice vote approved the committee substitute for Senate Bill 67, moving responsibility for permits for certain motorsports events toward the state Division of Highways/Department of Transportation and allowing the agency to charge a fee to reimburse administrative costs.
The Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on a voice vote approved the committee substitute for Senate Bill 67, moving responsibility for permits for certain motorsports events toward the state Division of Highways/Department of Transportation and allowing the agency to charge a fee set to reimburse administrative costs. The committee voted to report the substitute to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass and that it first be referred to the committee on finance.
Supporters told the committee the change is intended to simplify approvals and make the process more consistent for event organizers. Christian Robinson, senior director of state government affairs for CEMA and PRI, said, “Simply put, as we've seen in the discussion, this bill is about making it easier to bring exciting, professionally sanctioned racing events to West Virginia.” Robinson described the motorsports and specialty automotive industry’s economic footprint in the state and said events bring fans, sponsors and media coverage that can boost local tourism.
Eric Hubbard, executive director of Backroads of Appalachia, described his organization’s recent events and economic impact figures. “We were able to increase our, impact of almost $41,000,000 that's at the state of West Virginia,” Hubbard said, and added that his group raised more than $24,000 for the Children’s Society of West Virginia during one multi-day event. Hubbard described the events as professionally sanctioned, using traffic-control plans, insurance, and emergency services similar to large motorsports venues.
Counsel and senators discussed how the committee substitute changes local review and the role of county commissions. Committee counsel confirmed the Division of Highways (DOH) would retain discretion over safety and traffic-control considerations, including the ability to limit activity if public safety concerns arise. Senators also asked whether municipal or county permissions would still be required for events on roads those local governments control; presenters said organizers typically seek local approval and would work with municipalities when needed.
The committee substitute specifically allows the department to set a permit fee “in an amount designed to reimburse the department for administrative costs related to the permit issuance,” counsel said during the explanation. Supporters emphasized that sanctioned events must meet safety standards and be managed with emergency response plans and closures as required.
The committee took no roll-call vote; the chair declared the ayes had it after the voice vote. The substitute was reported to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be first referred to the committee on finance.
What's next: The full Senate will consider the committee substitute, and the finance committee will review fiscal implications. The committee record shows presenters requested consistency and a streamlined approval path; the substitute leaves operational discretion with the Division of Highways.
