Overview
This bill establishes special vehicle registration plates for various groups associated with military service, including Gold Star families, Blue Star families, World War I veterans, Pearl Harbor survivors, Purple Heart recipients, and next of kin of deceased military personnel. The legislation defines eligibility criteria for these special plates, outlines application procedures through the Secretary of State, and specifies design requirements for the plates. It also addresses tax implications and disability accommodations for eligible applicants.
Core Provisions
The bill authorizes the Secretary of State to issue special registration plates for several categories of military-associated individuals. Gold Star and Blue Star family members may apply for plates with distinctive insignia and text. World War I veterans can obtain plates with 'WWI' lettering and 'World War I veteran' text. Pearl Harbor survivors are eligible for plates indicating their status. Purple Heart recipients may receive plates with a medal vignette and 'combat wounded veteran' text. Next of kin of deceased personnel can apply for plates with a special insignia. The legislation defines eligibility criteria for each category, including specific familial relationships for Gold Star and Blue Star families. It mandates that applications be made on forms prescribed by the Secretary of State and requires proof of eligibility. The bill also specifies that one plate per household is exempt from certain taxes, while additional plates are subject to applicable taxes.
Key Points
- Establishes special registration plates for Gold Star families, Blue Star families, World War I veterans, Pearl Harbor survivors, Purple Heart recipients, and next of kin of deceased personnel
- Defines eligibility criteria for each special plate category
- Requires application through Secretary of State with proof of eligibility
- Specifies design elements for each type of special plate
- Provides tax exemption for one plate per household, with additional plates subject to tax
Legal References
- Section 801
- Section 803f
- Section 675
- 10 USC 1126(a)(1) to (3)
Implementation
The Secretary of State is the primary agency responsible for implementing this legislation. The Secretary must prescribe application forms, establish procedures for verifying eligibility, and issue the special registration plates to qualified applicants. The bill requires the Secretary to accept various forms of proof for different categories of eligible individuals, such as evidence of Pearl Harbor service or receipt of the Purple Heart Medal. For disabled applicants, the Secretary must issue a disability tab along with the special plate, using the same proof requirements as for permanent windshield placards. The legislation does not specify additional funding mechanisms, detailed reporting requirements, or specific enforcement provisions beyond stating that misuse of special plates is a misdemeanor offense.
Impact
The direct beneficiaries of this legislation are military service members, veterans, and their families who qualify for the special registration plates. This includes Gold Star and Blue Star family members, World War I veterans, Pearl Harbor survivors, Purple Heart recipients, and next of kin of deceased military personnel. The bill creates a tangible benefit for these groups by allowing them to display their status or honor their family members' service on their vehicle registration plates. While the legislation waives service fees for some applications and provides a tax exemption for one plate per household, it may still generate some revenue through taxes on additional plates. The administrative burden on the Secretary of State's office is likely to increase due to the need to process applications, verify eligibility, and issue the special plates. The expected outcomes include increased recognition for military service and sacrifices, as well as potential pride and community support for plate holders. No specific sunset provisions are mentioned in the provided summaries.
Legal Framework
The bill appears to be grounded in the state's authority to regulate vehicle registration and licensing. It amends existing state law regarding special registration plates, as evidenced by references to various sections of current statutes. The legislation does not explicitly mention preemption of local laws or judicial review provisions. It does, however, incorporate federal definitions and criteria, such as those for Gold Star lapel button eligibility under 10 USC 1126(a)(1) to (3). The bill creates new statutory definitions for terms like 'gold star family member' and 'blue star family member' which may have regulatory implications for the Secretary of State's office in implementing the program.
Critical Issues
Several potential challenges and issues arise from this legislation. Implementation may be complex due to the variety of special plates and eligibility criteria, potentially straining administrative resources in the Secretary of State's office. Verification of eligibility, especially for historical categories like World War I veterans or Pearl Harbor survivors, could prove difficult. There may be concerns about equity, as the bill provides benefits to specific military-associated groups but not others. The tax exemption for one plate per household could face scrutiny as a form of preferential treatment. Privacy concerns might arise regarding the public display of military affiliation or family status. Additionally, there could be challenges in preventing fraudulent applications or misuse of the special plates. The bill's impact on overall state revenue from vehicle registration should be considered, as should any potential costs for designing and producing multiple new plate types.