This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to provide fee exemptions for motor vehicles bearing special plates for Purple Heart medal recipients. It introduces a new section, 168.1245, which outlines the issuance and design of these special plates, stating that they will bear the inscription "COMBAT WOUNDED VET" and feature a facsimile of the Purple Heart medal. The bill specifies that these plates will be issued free of charge to qualified applicants, who must be registered owners of a passenger automobile, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle and comply with existing vehicle registration rules. Additionally, the bill allows for the transfer of these plates to another qualified vehicle without a fee.

The bill also amends existing sections of the Minnesota Statutes, including section 168.12, to include the new Purple Heart medal special plates among the personalized special veterans plates. It removes certain language regarding the eligibility and design of plates for combat-wounded veterans, ensuring that the new provisions for Purple Heart recipients are clearly defined. Furthermore, it clarifies that special plates issued under this new section are exempt from certain regulations regarding the discontinuance of plate issuance, thereby ensuring their continued availability as long as the eligibility criteria are met.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 168.12, 168.123, 168.1293