IL HB5522

Allows applicants or persons with potentially adverse interests to request a hearing within 30 days after receiving the Department of Natural Resources' final decision on a surface coal mining permit application.

Requires the Department to hold the requested hearing within 30 days unless a prehearing conference is requested.

Prohibits any person who presided over the public comment hearing under Section 2.04 from presiding over or participating in the decision of the appeal hearing.

Makes the hearing officer's written decision on permit approval or denial the final administrative decision, which must be issued within 30 days of the hearing.

Takes effect immediately upon becoming law.