Substitute House Bill No. 5074 seeks to create a special motor vehicle number plate to honor women veterans in Connecticut. The bill amends Section 14-20b of the general statutes, allowing the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to issue a special certificate of registration and a set of number plates to any woman veteran or woman member of the armed forces who owns or leases a vehicle for at least one year, including those used exclusively for farming. The bill also stipulates that the plates will expire and must be renewed according to existing regulations, with a fee structure designed to cover production and replacement costs.

In addition to establishing the new plates, the bill modifies existing language related to vehicle registration for veterans and armed forces members, specifically removing the phrase "as applicable" from the verification process and inserting clearer language regarding the issuance of plates that commemorate military service. The bill defines a veteran as someone honorably discharged from active service and outlines conditions for those with an other than honorable discharge. It is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and is anticipated to have a minimal fiscal impact on the Department of Motor Vehicles, depending on the demand for the new plates.

Statutes affected:
VA Joint Favorable Substitute: 14-20b
File No. 223: 14-20b