This bill proposes the addition of a new section, 17A-10-18, to the Code of West Virginia, 1931, which focuses on special license plates. It mandates that all registration and renewal fees collected for these plates be deposited entirely into the State Road Fund, emphasizing the importance of this fund for maintaining and improving the state's transportation infrastructure. The bill also introduces a voluntary donation option for applicants at the time of registration or renewal, allowing them to contribute to causes related to the theme of their chosen license plate, such as military support, education, or environmental protection.
Furthermore, the bill outlines the administration of these voluntary donations, ensuring they are deposited into designated special revenue accounts and managed by appropriate state agencies. It includes provisions for transparency, requiring the Division of Motor Vehicles to clearly communicate that donations are optional and separate from registration fees. The bill also establishes a reporting requirement for the Division of Motor Vehicles to provide annual updates on the total fees and donations collected, as well as their distribution by category. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance funding for the State Road Fund while providing citizens with a way to support specific causes through themed license plates.