WEST virginia legislature
2022 regular session
ENGROSSED
Committee Substitute
for
House Bill 4406
By Delegates Conley, Cooper, Longanacre, Barnhart, J. Kelly, Anderson, Toney, McGeehan, Reynolds, Mandt, and Linville
[Originating in the Committee on Government Organization; February 14, 2022]
A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new article, designated §9A-5-1, relating to creating a West Virginia Military Hall of Fame to honor veterans of West Virginia who have distinguished themselves on the field of battle.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:
ARTICLE 5. West Virginia Military Hall of Fame.
§9A-5-1. Department to create a West Virginia Military Hall of Fame.
(a)(1) The secretary shall create a West Virginia Military Hall of Fame with the mission to honor veterans of West Virginia who have distinguished themselves on the field of battle and for such actions have received Purple Hearts or awards for valor for a specific act of heroism. The honorees must:
(A) Have received an honorable discharge and be of good moral character; and
(B) Be natural born citizens of West Virginia; or
(C) Have enlisted in or be discharged from the military in West Virginia; or
(D) Have resided in West Virginia for 10 years or a majority of their lives.
(2) Applicants should submit an application, DD214 and/or other supporting Department of Defense personnel records, or national or state archive records, and a copy of the citation that depicts a specific act of heroism or valor or the Purple Heart with supporting recommendation. (Awards for an extended period of time may not qualify if they appear to be for Meritorious service).
(b) Medals included under §9A-5-1(a)(1) of this code are:
(1) Medal of Honor;
(2) Distinguished Service Cross;
(3) Navy Cross;
(4) Air Force Cross;
(5) Silver Star;
(6) Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism;
(7) Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device;
(8) Air Medal with “V” Device;
(9) Commendation Medal With “V” Device;
(10) Achievement Medal With “V” Device; and
(11) Purple Heart.
(c) The secretary shall appoint a committee of veterans to review applications for recognition in the Military Hall of Fame. The secretary shall be the chair of the committee and may promulgate rules for legislative approval in accordance with §29A-3-1 et seq. of this code to implement the purpose and mission of the Military Hall of Fame. The rules may include requirements that the committee meet annually, that there be a processing fee to defray costs of the Military Hall of Fame, and limiting the number of persons who may be recognized by the Military Hall of Fame annually or during any other determined period of time.
NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to create a West Virginia Military Hall of Fame in the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from a heading or the present law and underscoring indicates new language that would be added.