Section 8-23-2-17 - Public hearings(a) As used in this section, "public hearing" means an assembly or a meeting by the department for the purpose of:(1) providing information early in the process of making decisions affecting proposed highway or bridge construction or improvement projects on a county arterial highway system or the state highway system so that the public can have an impact on the decision outcome, including a meeting in which the public is provided information, opportunity for review and comment, and an accounting for the rationale for a proposed project; or(2) complying with 23 U.S.C. 128 and 49 U.S.C. 5323(b) requirements in considering economic, social, environmental, and other effects of highway projects and proposals.(b) Whenever the department holds a public hearing, the department shall allow any person an opportunity to be heard in the presence of others who are present to testify and in accordance with subsection (c).(c) The department, through the commissioner or the commissioner's designee, may limit testimony at a public hearing to a reasonable time stated at the opening of the public hearing.Amended by P.L. 7-2015, SEC. 23, eff. 7/1/2015.As added by P.L. 52-1995, SEC.3.