This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to authorize the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to issue certified copies of vital records, including birth, death, marriage, and divorce records, which are currently in the custody of the State Registrar. Starting July 1, 2027, the DMV will be required to adhere to the rules set by the State Registrar when issuing these records. The bill also establishes a fee structure for the issuance of these records, allowing the DMV to collect a minimum fee of $12, which will be retained for administrative purposes, while the actual cost incurred by the State Registrar will be transmitted monthly. Additionally, a new special revenue account, the "DMV vital records fund," will be created to manage the fees collected by the DMV for this purpose.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the creation of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Cabinet Secretary of the Department of Health and the Commissioner of the DMV to facilitate the program's implementation. This memorandum will outline security measures, audit requirements, and training protocols to ensure the integrity and proper handling of vital records. The State Registrar will remain the sole legal custodian of all vital records, while the DMV will act as a noncustodial issuing agent. The bill also includes provisions for auditing issuance activities and requires the DMV to follow the eligibility standards set by the State Registrar without exercising independent discretion.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-5-5, 16-5-29, 16-5-39
Committee Substitute: 16-5-5, 16-5-29, 16-5-34, 16-5-39