(a) Except as hereinafter provided, it shall be unlawful for any public motor carrier to operate as a carrier of household goods or passengers in intrastate commerce within this state without first having obtained from the commission a certificate of convenience and necessity to transport household goods or passengers. A motor carrier denied a certificate shall be afforded the opportunity of a hearing on the matter in accordance with the provisions of the Kansas administrative procedure act. If such hearing is requested, the hearing shall be held within 10 business days of the request.

(b) If the commission finds that the proposed service or any part thereof is proposed to be performed by the applicant, that the applicant is fit, willing and able to perform such service and that the applicant is in compliance with the commission’s safety rules and regulations, liability and cargo insurance requirements and other applicable state laws, the commission shall issue the certificate of convenience and necessity to transport household goods and passengers, except that if the commission finds that the proposed service is inconsistent with the public convenience and necessity, the commission shall not issue the certificate.

(c) Within 18 months of the issuance to a public motor carrier of a certificate of convenience and necessity to transport household goods or passengers, the commission shall verify that such public motor carrier continues to be fit, knowledgeable and in compliance with the commission’s safety rules and regulations, liability insurance requirements and other applicable state laws.