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West VirginiaHB 48812026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Relating to obtaining title to abandoned or junked motor vehicles abandoned on the property or place of business of an automobile dealer

Sponsored By: Dana Ferrell (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§17-24A-4

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Faster titles for abandoned cars at businesses

Beginning June 8, 2026, licensed dealers, auctions, repair shops, and PSC-registered tow companies can get title to abandoned cars. For cars they towed with a loan value of $7,500 or less (from a standard book), they can also apply for title. They must pay DMV fees and meet the notice or publication steps. After DMV issues title and registration, they can sell the car at a private sale or auction. Repair shops and tow companies are not treated as used car dealers here. If hired by an agency, the agency must share any owner and lienholder information within 15 days.

New notice and 10-day reclaim window

Beginning June 8, 2026, agencies must mail the last registered owner and any lienholders by registered or certified mail within 15 days after a tow. The notice names the car, where it is held, and your 10-day right to reclaim it. You must pay towing, preservation, and storage charges to reclaim. If the owner cannot be found, the agency must publish a county legal notice within 15 days. The 10-day clock starts on the publication date. If a hired tower has your car, it must also mail notice by registered mail within 30 days. After that mailing, you owe all towing and storage charges. If the tower mails late, you only owe the first five days of storage. If you do not reclaim in 10 days, you can lose rights and the car can be sold.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Dana Ferrell

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Walter Hall

    Republican • House

  • Phil Mallow

    Republican • House

  • Chris Phillips

    Republican • House

  • David Elliott Pritt

    Republican • House

  • Charles Sheedy

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 128 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/10/2026

Passed Senate (Roll No. 404)

Yes: 34 • No: 0

House vote • 2/16/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 94)

Yes: 94 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor 3/17/2026

    3/17/2026House

  2. Approved by Governor 3/17/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

  3. Approved by Governor 3/17/2026 - House Journal

    3/14/2026House

  4. To Governor 3/11/2026

    3/11/2026House

  5. To Governor 3/11/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/11/2026Senate

  6. On 3rd reading

    3/10/2026Senate

  7. Read 3rd time

    3/10/2026Senate

  8. Passed Senate (Roll No. 404)

    3/10/2026Senate

  9. Communicated to House

    3/10/2026Senate

  10. Completed legislative action

    3/10/2026Senate

  11. House received Senate message

    3/10/2026House

  12. On 2nd reading

    3/9/2026Senate

  13. Read 2nd time

    3/9/2026Senate

  14. On 1st reading

    3/6/2026Senate

  15. Read 1st time

    3/6/2026Senate

  16. Reported do pass

    3/5/2026Senate

  17. Introduced in Senate

    2/17/2026Senate

  18. To Transportation and Infrastructure

    2/17/2026Senate

  19. To Transportation and Infrastructure

    2/17/2026Senate

  20. On 3rd reading, Special Calendar

    2/16/2026House

  21. Read 3rd time

    2/16/2026House

  22. Passed House (Roll No. 94)

    2/16/2026House

  23. Communicated to Senate

    2/16/2026House

  24. On 2nd reading, Special Calendar

    2/13/2026House

  25. Read 2nd time

    2/13/2026House

Bill Text

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