BILL NUMBER: S5395
SPONSOR: SCARCELLA-SPANTON
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to authorizing
distinctive license plates for recipients of the Bronze or Silver star
 
PURPOSE:
To provide distinctive license plates which recognize veterans who have
earned the Bronze Star or the Silver Star.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Amends the Vehicle and Traffic Law providing distinctive license plates
which read "Bronze Star Recipient" or "Silver Star Recipient." Includes
provisions equivalent to other special license plates for veterans,
including authorization for plates in the name of the spouse of the
veteran and provision for a one-time $10 service charge.
 
EXISTING LAW:
The Vehicle and Traffic Law currently provides for numerous special
license plates for veterans and their families, such as Congressional
Medal of Honor recipients (sec. 404-p), former Prisoners of War
(sec.404-c), members of Organized Militia (sec. 404-d), Purple Heart
recipients (sec. 404-e), Jewish War veterans (sec. 404-h), Gold Star
Mothers (sec. 404-i), Pearl Harbor attack survivors (sec. 404-j), and
Marine Corps League members (sec. 404-k).
 
JUSTIFICATION:
As our Nation continues to recognize and honor our veterans, there are
many with justifiable pride in their military service and honors. The
Silver Star and the Bronze Star are military awards for meritorious
service and recognize achievement on the part of the veteran who is so
honored. Establishment of distinctive license plates would enable
members of the public to identify these heroes, and to accord them
recognition and honor.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2024; Held in Senate Transportation Committee.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
The veteran pays a $10 fee to defray the initial cost of producing the
special plate. The Department of Motor Vehicles will be allocated $5,000
to offset production costs.
 
LOCAL FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
120 days after becoming a law.