Transferring authority for racing events from county commissions to DOT
SB 752 transfers authority to permit motor vehicle racing events on public roads from county commissions to the West Virginia Department of Transportation (DOT). It repeals a provision allowing counties to authorize such events and instead requires racing organizers to obtain permits directly from the DOT, which will charge a fee to cover administrative costs. Organizers must provide proof of insurance, emergency planning, traffic control plans, and written permissions from local governments. The bill also clarifies that DOT permit requirements override certain road obstruction and speed laws, and shifts liability to permittees (not the state) for any injuries or property damage during sanctioned events.
Bill status
passed
3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Feb 2026
Senate Passage
Feb 2026
House of Delegates Passage
Governor
Introduced Feb 5, 2026
Last action Feb 23, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison
What changed between versions
Introduced Version
→
Committee Substitute
·
4 edits
MODERATE
This bill was amended to transfer authority for permitting motor vehicle racing events from county commissions to the West Virginia Department of Transportation. The changes clarify that the Department now has sole authority to issue permits for racing events on public roads, while also adding language to ensure the Department is protected from liability claims.
Scope change
The bill's scope expanded from authorizing county commissions to permit racing events to transferring that authority entirely to the Department of Transportation, which now has exclusive permitting power for motor vehicle racing events on public roads.
SCOPE
Authority to permit motor vehicle racing events was transferred from county commissions to the Department of Transportation
REQUIREMENT
Added requirement that the permittee must assure the Department that the applicant has adequate insurance and security arrangements before a permit is issued
ENFORCEMENT
Added language clarifying that racing events can only occur on public roads if a permit has been issued under the new section
Strengthened liability protection by explicitly requiring permittees to indemnify the state and Department of Transportation from all claims related to racing events
Floor votes · Senate Feb 20, 2026
How they voted
30–1
Passed · 2 other
Total votes 33
Feb 20, 2026
D
Democratic2
100% Yea
R
Republican31
90% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
16
Key actions
2
Committee
3
Feb 23, 2026
Committee
To House Government Organization
lower
Feb 23, 2026
Committee
To Government Organization
lower
Feb 23, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
Feb 20, 2026
Upper · Passed
Passed Senate (Roll No. 168)
upper
Feb 17, 2026
Upper · Passed
Committee substitute reported
upper
Feb 5, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Mark Maynard
RRepublican
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