BILL NUMBER: S7038
SPONSOR: GRIFFO
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to keepsake
plates for gold star mothers
 
PURPOSE:
To issue a license plate to gold star mothers who surrender their set of
distinctive plates for commemorative and display purposes only.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. Amends section 404-i of the vehicle and traffic law by adding
a new subdivision 4.
Section 2. Provides an immediate effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Gold Star Mothers are mothers of U.S. Armed Forces whose sons or daugh-
ters died in the line of duty. Many Gold Star Mothers apply for distinc-
tive license plates from the Department of Motor Vehicles that desig-
nates that they are a gold Star Mother. Unfortunately, when one of these
individuals surrenders her plates, they do not have the option to keep
one for sentimental reasons. This legislation would address the inequity
by amending the vehicle and traffic law to direct the Commissioner of
the DMV, upon request, and at no cost, to issue and provide the Gold
Star Mother one keepsake plate. These keepsake plates are for commemora-
tive purposes only and not for display on any motor vehicle. To ensure
this, the plates will be a different size than plates currently used for
motor vehicles.
Gold Star Mothers endure heartache and sadness with the loss of their
son or daughter throughout their entire lives. It is only fitting and
appropriate to give a Gold Star Mother a commemorative plate, which she
can keep in honor of her son or daughter who gave the ultimate sacrifice
for our country.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24 - S. 1930 - Transportation Committee.
2021-22 - S. 3823 - Passed Senate.
2019-20 - S. 2972 - Transportation Committee
2017-18 - S. 2538a - Passed Senate/A. 5573a - Transportation Committee.
2015-16 - S. 4958 - Passed Senate/A. 7123 - Transportation Committee.
2013-14 - S. 3554 - Passed Senate/A. 4459 - Transportation Committee.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediate.

Statutes affected:
S7038: 404-i vehicle and traffic law