Bill Text: VA HB1125 | 2024 | Regular Session | Comm Sub
Bill Title: Virginia Business Ready Expedited Permitting Program; created.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2024-04-04 - Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0471) [HB1125 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-HB1125-Comm_Sub.html
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 2.2-2240.2:2 as follows:
§2.2-2240.2:2. Virginia Business Ready Expedited Permitting Program.
A. For purposes of this section:
"Eligible site" means a site that meets the qualifications for a site development grant pursuant to §2.2-2240.2:1, including sites located in Region 1 or 2 that meet the requirements of such section.
"Program" means the Virginia Business Ready Expedited Permitting Program.
"Project" means an economic development project by a traded-sector company involving significant capital investment and new job creation in the locality in which the project is located.
"Traded-sector company" means a company that directly or indirectly derives more than 50 percent of its revenue from out-of-state sources.
B. There is hereby created the Virginia Business Ready Expedited Permitting Program to accomplish the objectives described in this section. The Authority shall annually designate up to two eligible sites and four projects for participation in the Program. Sites and projects eligible for the Program shall include only (i) eligible sites or (ii) projects with significant local, regional, or statewide economic impact that the governing body of the locality in which the project is located has either (a) approved following a public meeting or hearing or (b) submitted, by resolution, for consideration to be included in the Program. No more than one eligible site or project shall be designated as part of the Program within any locality annually. Where possible, eligible sites or projects designated by the Authority for participation in the Program shall be equitably distributed geographically throughout the Commonwealth.
C. For any eligible site or project designated by the Authority for participation in the Program, the Authority shall complete a review process within 60 days of such designation. Such review process shall aim to (i) reduce permitting conflicts by providing guidance regarding the permits needed from each agency or governmental entity and steps the applicant can take to expedite permit application review and (ii) provide guidance regarding site planning and development, site suitability and limitations, and facility design. For projects requiring multiple agency permits, the Authority shall coordinate with impacted agencies to facilitate the overall permit reviews for the project.
D. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or eliminate any legally required opportunities for public comment or input related to a requested permit or approval.
2. That the provisions of the first enactment of this act shall become effective on January 1, 2025, and shall expire on June 30, 2028. No project shall be considered eligible to enter the Virginia Business Ready Expedited Permitting Program established pursuant to this act after December 31, 2027.
3. That the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority shall report annually by December 1 to the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations and the House Committee on Appropriations on the progress of the Virginia Business Ready Expedited Permitting Program (the Program) established pursuant to this act for the duration of the Program.
