Public highways; procedure for issuance of permit for access to state rights-of-way on public highways, further provided
SB 311 amends existing law regarding permits required for work on state-controlled public highways. This bill establishes specific processing deadlines for permits related to electric transmission facilities, requiring the State Department of Transportation (DOT) to respond to applications within 14 days and approve or deny complete applications within 42 days. If the DOT fails to act within the 42-day period, the permit is deemed issued upon the applicant posting a required deposit or bond. Additionally, the bill allows for related condemnation actions to be expedited and requires the DOT to adopt rules for the permit process.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Apr 2025
Committee Review
Apr 2025
Senate Passage
Apr 2025
House Passage
May 2025
Signed into Law
May 2025
Introduced Apr 8, 2025
Signed May 14, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons
What changed between versions
Engrossed
→
Enrolled
·
4 edits
·
May 14, 2025
MODERATE
The bill was finalized as an enrolled act, moving it from a draft version to its official, final form ready for signing. The core policy content regarding electric transmission permits and expedited court proceedings remained substantively unchanged, though the text was reorganized and expanded with additional clarifying language. Specifically, the definition of 'electric transmission facilities' was added to specify a voltage threshold of 40,000 volts or greater, and a new subsection was added to Section 2 to formally define this term for the purpose of the act.
Scope change
The bill's scope was clarified by adding a specific definition for 'electric transmission facilities' (40,000 volts or greater), which determines which infrastructure projects are eligible for the expedited permit and condemnation processes described in the bill.
DEFINITION
Added a new definition for 'electric transmission facilities' in Section 1(f)(2) to specify that the term includes facilities transmitting electricity at 40,000 volts or greater.
REQUIREMENT
Added a new subsection to Section 2 to formally define 'electric transmission facilities' for the purposes of the expedited condemnation actions.
TECHNICAL
Reorganized the text flow and added transitional language to clarify the relationship between permit requirements and road repair obligations.
Updated the document header and footer to reflect the bill's status as 'Enrolled' rather than 'Engrossed', indicating it has passed both legislative chambers and is ready for the Governor's signature.
Floor votes
How they voted
This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
20
Key actions
7
Committee
4
Amendments
1
May 1, 2025
Lower · Passed
Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 1158
lower
Apr 29, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported Out of Committee Second House
lower
Apr 24, 2025
Lower · Passed
Pending Committee Action in Second House (Economic Development and Tourism)
lower
Apr 24, 2025
Upper · Passed
Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 810
upper
Apr 24, 2025
Upper · Passed
Bell motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 809
upper
Apr 24, 2025
Introduced
Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development 1st Substitute Offered (Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development)
upper
Apr 22, 2025
Upper · Passed
Reported Out of Committee House of Origin
upper
Apr 8, 2025
Upper · Passed
Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development)
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Josh Carnley
RRepublican
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