Bill
HB 5455
West Virginia HB 5455 allows creation and issuance of new special license plates, detailing eligibility, design approval, fees, and how plate funds support designated programs or s
HB 5455 (West Virginia, 2026) – Relating to special license plates
Overview
- Primary aim: Establish or modify provisions governing special license plates in West Virginia. The bill addresses the creation, design, eligibility, issuance, and related administration of special license plates beyond standard vehicle registration plates.
- Status: Filed for introduction on February 11, 2026. Referred to the House Energy and Public Works Committee. Sponsored by a bi-partisan group of lawmakers (co-sponsors: Chuck Horst, Chuck Sheedy, J.B. Akers, Lori Dittman, Mike Hornby, Evan Worrell, Phil Mallow, Roy Cooper).
Key provisions and changes (as typically included in “special license plates” bills; note: exact bill text not fully readable in excerpt)
- Creation and authorization of new special plates:
- Allows for the issuance of new special license plates to identified groups, organizations, or causes.
- May authorize plates that commemorate public service, advocacy groups, universities, military service, or other designations allowed by law.
- Design approval and eligibility:
- Establishes criteria for eligibility and the process for approving plate designs.
- May require approval by a designated state agency (e.g., Department of Transportation or equivalent) and/or a legislative mechanism.
- Fees and funding:
- Specifies application/issuance fees for special plates, potentially including ongoing annual maintenance or renewal fees.
- Describes how funds generated from plate fees are allocated (e.g., deposited into a dedicated fund or to support specific programs or scholarships), including any mileage for administrative costs.
- Renewal, eligibility maintenance, and restrictions:
- Sets renewal timelines and requirements to maintain eligibility for plate holders.
- May impose restrictions on transferability or representation of plates to ensure they align with state policies and do not mislead the public.
- Administrative and regulatory framework:
- Outlines responsibilities of the relevant state agency in administering the program (application processing, design review, plate production, and distribution).
- Addresses compliance, enforcement, and potential penalties for fraudulent or improper use.
- Interactions with other plates and laws:
- Clarifies whether new plates will be in addition to, or substitutes for, existing plates.
- Ensures consistency with existing traffic and vehicle registration laws.
Who would be affected
- Vehicle owners who apply for or purchase special license plates.
- Organizations and groups eligible to sponsor or request specialized plate designs.
- State agencies responsible for motor vehicles administration, design review, and plate production.
- Potential beneficiaries from any allocated plate-specific funds (e.g., scholarships, a program fund, or public initiatives tied to the plate’s purpose).
Procedural and timeline aspects
- Introduction and referrals:
- Introduced February 11, 2026; referred to House Energy and Public Works.
- Likely timeline elements (common in license plate bills):
- Administrative rulemaking or agency rule updates to implement the new plates.
- Periodic renewal cycles aligned with standard vehicle registration timelines.
- Deadlines for design submission, public comment, and final approval of plate designs.
- Effective date:
- The bill would specify an effective date upon passage or upon a later date to allow agencies to implement the program.
Notes and considerations
- Specifics such as the exact plate categories, design submission process, fee amounts, and fund allocations are not fully visible in the provided excerpt. The final text would detail:
- The list of eligible plate categories and any caps on the number of plates issued.
- The precise fee schedule and how revenues are used.
- Any statutory sunset or reporting requirements to the Legislature.
If you’d like, I can tailor this summary once the full bill text is available, including exact fee figures, eligible plate categories, and the funding mechanism.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
