The bill amends the Code of West Virginia to provide free parking at metered spaces for disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients, exempting them from the requirement to deposit coins or currency into parking meters. To qualify for this exemption, individuals must have a designated vehicle registration plate indicating their status. Additionally, the bill prohibits public entities from charging individuals with mobility impairments for accessible parking at meters that are inaccessible and establishes penalties for false certification regarding mobility impairments. It also outlines definitions and qualifications for individuals with mobility impairments, detailing the process for obtaining special registration plates or removable windshield placards, and specifies the responsibilities of parking enforcement personnel.

Moreover, the bill introduces a program allowing law enforcement agencies to utilize trained volunteers to gather information and issue citations for illegal parking in designated accessible spaces. Volunteers will document violations by photographing vehicles and completing a form with relevant details. Local authorities adopting these provisions must retain all fines collected to fund the volunteer program or contribute to the local General Revenue Fund. The bill also includes provisions that prevent public entities from charging for parking in accessible spaces under certain conditions and ensures that parking enforcement personnel cannot cite vehicles in accessible spaces with expired meters if the outlined requirements are met. The commissioner is tasked with creating informational documents regarding accessible parking privileges and penalties, as well as proposing rules for legislative approval.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17A-3-15a
Engrossed Version: 17A-3-15a
Enrolled Version: 17C-13-6