This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to establish designated parking spaces specifically for Purple Heart recipients, in addition to existing provisions for individuals with mobility impairments and disabled veterans. It allows public entities and commercial facilities to mark these spaces in purple and post signs indicating they are reserved for vehicles displaying a Purple Heart plate. Only vehicles with such plates, where a Purple Heart recipient is either the driver or an occupant, are permitted to park in these designated areas. The bill also introduces penalties for misuse of special registration plates and placards, reinforcing compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act for accessible parking.

Additionally, the legislation enhances parking enforcement for these designated spaces by allowing citations to be issued based on the vehicle's license plate, even if the driver is not present. It permits law enforcement to utilize trained volunteers to document illegal parking, with collected fines and late fees funding volunteer programs. The bill also mandates the creation of informational materials regarding the new provisions and increased fines, while ensuring that individuals with mobility impairments can park for free in accessible spaces if they display a valid certification from a licensed medical provider confirming their condition.

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