BILL NUMBER: S7720
SPONSOR: GALLIVAN
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to authorizing
the issuance of "Blue Star Mother" and "Blue Star Family" distinctive
license plates; and to amend the state finance law, in relation to
establishing the "blue star mothers and families support fund"
 
PURPOSE:
Authorizes the issuance of "Blue Star Mother" and "Blue Star Family"
distinctive license plates and establishes the "blue star mothers and
families fund"
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: amends vehicle and traffic law by adding a new section 404-
ff, establishing Distinctive "Blue Star Mother" and "Blue Star Family"
license plates for any person residing in this state whose child,
spouse, parent, sibling, or grandchild is actively serving in the armed
forces of the United States upon request.
Section 2: amends the state finance law by adding a new section 95-j
that establishes the "Blue star mothers and families support fund" in
joint custody of the commissioner of taxation and finance and the comp-
troller. Such fund shall consist of all revenues received pursuant to
section 404-ff of the vehicle and traffic law, and all other moneys
appropriated, credited or transferred thereto from any other fund or
source pursuant to law
Section 3: Outlines actions needed for the department of motor vehicles
to begin designing and producing the "Blue Star Mother" and "Blue Star
Family" plates. Either a surety bond in the amount of $6,000, which
shall be executed by a surety company authorized by the department of
financial services to transact business in this state or at least 200
orders for the distinctive plates with additional annual service charge
is required.
Section 4: Effective date
 
JUSTIFICATION:
New York State currently offers Gold Star plates to honor those families
of loved ones who served our country and gave the ultimate sacrifice.
This legislation will establish similar distinctive plates for mothers
and families of service members who are on active duty. Additionally,
this legislation will establish the "Blue Star Mothers and Families
Support Fund" with proceeds from these Blue Star plates to be used for
programs and organizations that support parents and family members of
active-duty members of the US Armed Forces.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: S5869/A3533 - referred to transportation
2021-22: 6672/A8249 - referred to transportation
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it
shall have become a law.