This bill proposes significant amendments to the Code of West Virginia, focusing on the elimination of fees related to license plates, vehicle registration, operator's licenses, and inspection fees specifically for volunteer firefighters. It introduces provisions for special license plates for various groups, including elected officials, military members, and youth organizations, with specific eligibility criteria and application processes. Notably, the bill establishes a $15 annual fee for certain special plates and a $10 initial application fee for others. Key changes include the deletion of existing language regarding the suspension of registration and the commissioner’s authority to assign registration numbers, while new language mandates that registration plates must be reflectorized and include essential information such as the registration number, state name, and expiration date.

Additionally, the bill outlines provisions for the design and issuance of special plates that honor various causes and groups, including veterans, volunteer firefighters, and organizations like the Boy Scouts. It requires a minimum number of applications to be collected before production of these plates can commence, ensuring sufficient demand. The bill also reduces the maximum vehicle inspection fee from $19 to $14 and waives the inspection fee for one Class A vehicle owned by a volunteer firefighter, provided it is not used commercially. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline the registration process, enhance recognition for specific groups, and support volunteer firefighters while generating revenue for the State Road Fund.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17A-3-14, 17A-10-8, 17B-2-1, 17C-16-6