This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to provide for the issuance of one free Gold Star Family license plate to Gold Star parents, in addition to the existing provisions for Gold Star spouses. Specifically, it introduces a new section that exempts Gold Star parents from all registration fees for one Gold Star Family license plate for personal use. A "Gold Star parent" is defined as a mother or father of a veteran eligible to receive a gold star lapel pin under 10 U.S.C. 1126.

The bill also retains existing provisions for special registration plates for military personnel, including the requirement for an initial application fee and documentation to prove eligibility. The previous definition of a "Gold Star spouse" has been modified to remove the stipulation regarding eligibility for the gold star lapel pin, while still allowing for the exemption of registration fees for one Gold Star Family license plate. Overall, the bill aims to honor the families of veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice by providing them with a free license plate.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17A-3-14b
Engrossed Version: 17A-3-14b