BILL NUMBER: S8664
SPONSOR: ASHBY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to setting fees
for gold star family distinctive plates at the same rate as for gold
star mothers
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To align the fees for Gold Star Family license plates with the fees for
Gold Star Mothers
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends section 401 of the vehicle and traffic law by adding a
new subdivision b-2 that sets the fees for Gold Star Family license
plates at the same rate as Gold Star Mothers
 
JUSTIFICATION:
In 1928 American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. was founded to honor their
children, heal together, and support veterans and the nation. In 1936,
Congress designated the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mother's
Day and in 2011 it was expanded to become Gold Star Mothers and Family's
Day.
We have a storied history of honoring our Gold Star mothers and their
families because we know that these families suffer a loss too terrible
for most people to even imagine. In NYS, there is an annual allocation
to the Gold Star Annuity program to recognize the emotional loss and
financial implications of parents whose child has died serving this
country.
The families of those who have died for our freedom deserve every effort
we can possibly make on their behalf. In 2025, New York State introduced
the Gold Star Family license plate to honor not just the mothers but all
family members. The current fee structure creates a disparity. This
legislation seeks to reduce the Gold Star Family license place and put
it on par with the fees for Gold Star Mothers plates.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately

Statutes affected:
S8664: 401 vehicle and traffic law, 401(6) vehicle and traffic law