The bill amends West Virginia Code §16-5-29 to provide specific provisions for issuing birth certificates to homeless individuals under the age of 18. It establishes that the State Registrar shall furnish a certified copy of an individual's West Virginia birth certificate free of charge upon application and a written affirmation of the individual's homelessness. The definition of homelessness is clarified to include various living situations that lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, such as shelters, institutions, or public places not designed for human habitation.

Additionally, the bill maintains existing provisions regarding fees for certified copies of vital records, allowing the commissioner to set fees not exceeding $10 per copy, with a potential increase to $12 at their discretion. It also outlines the allocation of funds received from these fees, directing specific amounts to the Vital Statistics Improvement Fund and the General Revenue Fund. The bill emphasizes the importance of providing access to vital records for vulnerable populations, while ensuring the financial integrity of the vital statistics system in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-5-29
Committee Substitute: 16-5-29
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 16-5-29