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HB 4349

Provide volunteer firemen free license plates and vehicle registration

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Adam Burkhammer

The bill waives license plate and annual vehicle registration fees for vehicles used by and owned for volunteer firefighters.

To House Agriculture, Commerce and Tourism
#motorvehicles
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Bill Summary · HB 4349

Summary of HB 4349 (West Virginia, 2026 Session)

Bill Title: Provide volunteer firemen free license plates and vehicle registration

1. Purpose and Intent

  • The bill aims to recognize and support volunteer fire departments and their personnel by waiving certain vehicle-related costs.
  • Specifically, it seeks to provide free license plates and vehicle registration for vehicles associated with volunteer firemen.

2. Key Provisions and Changes

  • Free License Plates: Creates or expands authority to issue license plates at no cost to volunteer firefighters for eligible vehicles.
  • Free Vehicle Registration: Establishes waivers for annual vehicle registration fees for vehicles owned or used by volunteer firefighters in carrying out their duties.
  • Eligibility Criteria:
    • Likely applies to individuals who are registered as volunteers with a recognized fire department or volunteer fire company.
    • Eligibility may require that the vehicle be primarily used in support of firefighting activities or on official volunteer duty.
  • Administrative Rules: May authorize the Department of Transportation or a designated agency to implement the program, including:
    • Application processes.
    • Verification of volunteer status and vehicle use.
    • Renewal procedures and any limits on vehicle types (e.g., passenger cars, trucks, emergency vehicles).
  • Coordination with Existing Programs: Could reference or align with any existing veteran or first responder plate programs, ensuring no duplication of benefits and leveraging existing verification systems.

3. Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Volunteer Firefighters: Primary beneficiaries through waived license plate and registration costs.
  • Volunteer Fire Departments/Companies: May see reduced administrative burdens related to vehicle registration administration for qualifying volunteers.
  • Vehicle Owners of Eligible Volunteers: Vehicles used in support of firefighting activities would be eligible for cost waivers.
  • State Agencies: Departments of Transportation or other administering agencies would implement and oversee the program, including compliance and verification processes.

4. Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective Date: The bill would specify when the waivers begin (often on the date of enactment or a future effective date).
  • Application Process: Requires submission of an application or certification of volunteer status, with periodic renewals.
  • Durational Limits: The bill may impose ongoing eligibility, subject to re-verification to maintain waivers.
  • Funding and Budget: The measure may outline the funding mechanism (state funding, fee revenue forfeiture, or a dedicated fund) to sustain the waiver program. If not specified, future appropriation would be required.
  • Coordination with DMV: Implementation would necessitate regulatory rules and procedures by the DMV or equivalent authority, including error correction, lost plates, and replacement policies.

5. Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Budgetary Impact: Potential loss of revenue from license plate fees and registrations for qualifying vehicles; offset by public safety or volunteer support justification.
  • Equity and Access: Expands benefits to volunteers, potentially across rural and urban areas, aiding recruitment and retention.
  • Administrative Burden: Requires verification infrastructure to prevent abuse and ensure eligible use.
  • Policy Alignment: Aligns with incentives for community-based emergency services and reduces costs for those serving as volunteers.

If you have access to the bill’s text or fiscal notes, I can refine this summary with exact eligibility criteria, waiver amounts (if any), renewal periods, and the precise administrative structure.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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