West Virginia is considering a new bill, House Bill 2191, to provide free motor vehicle registrations and license plates to volunteer firefighters with at least five years of service. The bill was introduced by Delegate Burkhammer on January 11, 2023, and has been referred to the Committee on Fire Departments and Emergency Medical Services and then Finance. The proposed legislation aims to recognize and appreciate the invaluable services that volunteer firefighters provide to the state.
Volunteer firefighters often put their lives on the line to save others, and the least the state can do is make their lives easier. By exempting them from paying for vehicle registrations and license plates, the state could give back to the volunteers and help ease their financial burden. Additionally, the bill would encourage more people to join the firefighting services and help retain experienced volunteers by showing that their contributions are valued.