House Bill No. 5787, effective July 1, 2025, introduces provisions for veterans and members of the armed forces who obtain a number plate recognizing the Military Order of the Purple Heart. The bill allows these individuals to apply for reimbursement of their membership fees to join a chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, which is necessary to receive the special number plate. The Commissioner of Veterans Affairs is tasked with establishing the application process for reimbursement and must notify applicants of the decision within 60 days. If approved, the reimbursement will cover the membership charge, which is currently set at $200 for a lifetime membership.

The bill also includes several amendments to existing law. It repeals Section 14-19a and substitutes it with new language that outlines the responsibilities of the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles regarding the issuance of special number plates and registration certificates. Notably, it specifies that labor unions qualify as organizations for special registrations and introduces a new subsection that defines the eligibility criteria for veterans and members of the armed forces seeking reimbursement. The bill is expected to incur costs for the Department of Veterans Affairs, depending on the number of eligible applicants in the future.

Statutes affected:
Committee Bill: 14-19a
VA Joint Favorable: 14-19a
File No. 40: 14-19a