The bill amends the Code of West Virginia to establish provisions for the issuance of special registration plates for recipients of the Distinguished Medal of Valor and their surviving spouses, as well as for various categories of first responders, including certified paramedics, emergency medical technicians, firefighters, and law enforcement officers. The Division of Motor Vehicles is tasked with designing the insignia for these plates, which will bear specific identifiers related to the profession or honor being recognized. The bill specifies that applicants must provide proof of their qualifications, including affidavits from relevant authorities, and pay a special initial application fee of $10, which will be deposited into the State Road Fund.

Additionally, the bill outlines that registration plates issued to Medal of Valor recipients and their surviving spouses will be exempt from standard registration fees. Surviving spouses may continue to use the special plates until certain conditions are met, such as remarriage or failure to renew. The legislation also allows for the issuance of a second plate for qualified applicants, with a one-time fee of $10 for this additional plate. Overall, the bill aims to honor and recognize the service of first responders and those who have demonstrated exceptional bravery in their duties.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17A-3-14j
Committee Substitute: 17A-3-14g
Committee Substitute for the Committee Substitute: 17A-3-14g
Enrolled Version: 17A-3-14g