COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE

FOR

H. B. 4350

(By Delegates Fleischauer, Ferro, Longstreth, Iaquinta, Barill, Paxton, Rowan, Eldridge, L. Phillips, Reynolds and Jones)

(Originating in the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and Homeland Security)

[February 19, 2014]

A BILL to amend of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §15-1G-10, relating to providing for the awarding of a West Virginia veterans service decoration, and a West Virginia Service Cross and ribbon to certain qualifying West Virginia veterans; and providing rulemaking authority.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, be amended by adding thereto a new section, designated §15-1G-10, to read as follows:

ARTICLE 1G. SERVICE MEDALS.

§15-1G-10. West Virginia veterans service decoration; West     Virginia Service Cross.

    (a) In addition to any other medals or awards authorized under the provisions of this article, the following medals are authorized:

    (1) A West Virginia veterans service decoration may be awarded to any resident of West Virginia who served in any of the five federally recognized military services for a period at a time during which there was armed conflict.

    (2) A West Virginia Service Cross and ribbon bar, along with a certificate signed by the Governor and State Adjutant General, may be awarded to any veteran who meets the criteria set forth in subdivision (1) of this subsection, and who also was awarded a federal achievement medal, commendation medal, meritorious service medal or a medal for valor by one of the five federally recognized military services.

    (b) West Virginia National Guard members may also be authorized to receive and wear the medals and ribbons authorized under the provisions of this section in an order of precedence determined by the Adjutant General.

    (c) The Adjutant General may propose rules pursuant to article three, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code to implement the provisions of this section.