The proposed bill seeks to amend the Code of West Virginia to enhance the enforcement of designated accessible parking for individuals with mobility impairments. It increases penalties for illegal parking in accessible spaces and for the fraudulent creation, use, or acquisition of special registration plates and windshield placards. Specifically, fines for obtaining special plates or placards under false pretenses will rise from $500 to $750, while penalties for fabricating or selling unofficial placards or identification cards will increase from $700 to $1,000. The bill also establishes a public awareness program aimed at educating the community about the laws and penalties related to accessible parking violations.

Additionally, the bill outlines qualifications for obtaining special registration plates and placards, including a medical certificate confirming the applicant's mobility impairment, and specifies design and display requirements for accessible parking spaces in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. It mandates that law enforcement agencies that create volunteer programs for monitoring accessible parking provide workers' compensation and liability coverage for volunteers. The bill also details the process for documenting violations and introduces a public awareness initiative to inform the community about the consequences of illegal parking in accessible spaces, emphasizing the importance of compliance for the benefit of individuals with mobility impairments and disabled veterans.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17C-13-6