From Shriners and square dancers to combat veterans and firefighters, scores of groups have won their own specialty license plates from West Virginia's Legislature.

Lawmakers may soon give the Division of Motor Vehicles a role in that process.

The Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee unanimously endorsed a House-passed bill Tuesday that would allow the division's commissioner to issue new plates in certain cases.

The commissioner would handle requests from nonprofit groups that don't promote specific political, religious or social beliefs.

They also can't advertise any products or brands, and at least 250 people must agree to buy the new plates.

Lawmakers would still handle other requests. Two-dozen bills seeking new plates came up this session.

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