Legislative Analysis
Phone: (517) 373-8080
EXTEND ELIGIBILITY FOR DISABLED VETERANS PLATE
http://www.house.mi.gov/hfa
TO CERTAIN PARTIALLY DISABLED VETERANS
Analysis available at
House Bill 5127 as reported from committee http://www.legislature.mi.gov
Sponsor: Rep. Mike McFall
Committee: Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure
Complete to 3-6-24
(Enacted as Public Act 149 of 2024)
SUMMARY:
House Bill 5127 would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to allow honorably discharged
partially disabled veterans to obtain a disabled veterans special registration plate.
Section 803f of the code currently provides for a special registration plate for honorably
discharged totally disabled veterans. 1 The plate is inscribed with special identification numbers
preceded by “DV,” with the words “disabled veteran” inscribed below. The surviving spouse
of a deceased totally disabled veteran can use and renew the plate. An individual who has been
issued such a plate can also be issued, free of charge, an adhesive tab for persons with
disabilities. The surviving spouse of a totally disabled veteran can be issued such a tab if they
are a disabled person.
The bill would extend the above provisions to apply to honorably discharged partially disabled
veterans who have been determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to have a
service-connected disability rating of at least 50%. An application for the plate would not be
subject to a service fee under section 804 of the code and would have to be accompanied by
proof of the veteran’s honorable discharge and service-connected disability rating. However,
partially disabled veterans would not have the exemption from the vehicle registration tax
under section 801 of the code that applies to totally disabled veterans.
A special registration plate issued to a partially disabled veteran would expire on the veteran’s
birthday and would be renewed under section 226 of the code. The applicant would not have
to again furnish proof of disability for a renewal. Unlike initial applications, renewals would
appear not to be exempt from a service fee under section 804.
The bill would take effect 90 days after it is enacted.
MCL 257.803f
FISCAL IMPACT:
The bill would not have a fiscal impact on the state or on local units of government. The
extension of eligibility for the disabled veterans license plate to partially disabled veterans
1
In addition to proof of honorable discharge, an applicant for the plate must show that they have been determined by
the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to have a service-connected total or permanent total disability rating for
compensation, or that they have been determined to have a service-connected total or permanent total disability rating
and are receiving disability retirement pay from a branch of the uniformed armed services.
House Fiscal Agency Page 1 of 2
 would not include the exemption from the vehicle registration tax that is currently provided for
totally disabled veterans, and therefore would not result in a corresponding decrease of revenue
to the Michigan Transportation Fund.
POSITIONS:
A representative of the Madison Heights City Council testified in support of the bill.
(2-27-24)
The Department of State indicated a neutral position on the bill. (3-5-24)
Legislative Analyst: E. Best
Fiscal Analyst: Michael Cnossen
■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their
deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.
House Fiscal Agency HB 5127 as reported Page 2 of 2


Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 257.803
As Passed by the House: 257.803
As Passed by the Senate: 257.803
House Concurred Bill: 257.803
Public Act: 257.803
House Enrolled Bill: 257.803