HB 4437 West Virginia House of Delegates · 2026 Regular Session

To allow Gold Star parents to receive one free Gold Star vehicle registration for personal use.

HB 4437 allows Gold Star parents (mothers or fathers of veterans killed in combat) to receive one free vehicle registration plate for personal use. The bill amends West Virginia law to exempt Gold Star parents from all registration fees for a single Gold Star Family license plate, which is already available to surviving spouses under existing rules. This change directly affects eligible parents who qualify under the definition of "Gold star parent" (per 10 U.S.C. § 1126), waiving standard registration costs for one vehicle. The provision builds on the current Gold Star Family plate program without creating new fees or requirements.

Issues: ✓ Veterans

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Mar 2026

House of Delegates Passage

Mar 2026

Senate Passage

Mar 2026

Signed into Law

Jun 2026

Introduced Jan 16, 2026 Signed Jun 29, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 4 comparisons

What changed between versions

hb4437 s trn am _1 3-4 adopted.htm → hb4437 sfat maynard _1 3-9 adopted.htm · 3 edits

MINOR

The bill was amended to replace the entire text of the section with a new version that clarifies the purpose and scope of the legislation. The new text explicitly states the bill's intent to amend the Code of West Virginia regarding Gold Star Family license plates, fee exemptions, and specific definitions for 'gold star parent' and 'gold star spouse'.

Scope change

The bill's scope was refined by replacing the general provisions of the original text with a specific statement of purpose that lists the exact sections of law being amended and the specific topics covered.

SCOPE

The introductory text was changed from a committee amendment to a senator's amendment that explicitly lists the bill's objectives, including amending a specific code section, exempting fees, and clarifying definitions.

DEFINITION

The substantive legal text was completely replaced with a new version that provides clearer definitions for 'gold star parent' and 'gold star spouse' based on eligibility for a gold star lapel pin.

TECHNICAL

The original text containing general provisions for military personnel plates and application fees was removed and replaced by the new specific text.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 10, 2026 · House of Delegates Jan 29, 2026

How they voted

33–0

Passed

Total votes 33

Mar 10, 2026

D Democratic2

2 Yea

100% Yea

R Republican31

31 Yea

100% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 19, 2026

Signed into law

Approved by Governor 3/19/2026

lower

Mar 14, 2026

Signed into law

Approved by Governor 3/19/2026 - House Journal

lower

Mar 14, 2026

Signed into law

Approved by Governor 3/19/2026 - Senate Journal

upper

Mar 14, 2026

Lower · Passed

House concurred in Senate amendment and title amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 632)

lower

Mar 10, 2026

Upper · Passed

Title amendment adopted

upper

Mar 10, 2026

Upper · Passed

Passed Senate (Roll No. 398)

upper

Mar 9, 2026

Upper · Passed

Committee amendment adopted (Voice vote)

upper

Mar 5, 2026

Upper · Passed

Reported do pass, with amendment

upper

Jan 30, 2026

Introduced

Introduced in Senate

upper

Jan 29, 2026

Lower · Passed

Passed House (Roll No. 30)

lower

Jan 23, 2026

Lower · Passed

Do pass

lower

Jan 16, 2026

Committee

To House Energy and Public Works

lower

Jan 16, 2026

Introduced

Introduced in House

lower

1 primary · 10 co-sponsors