Bill No. 1598 amends Section 1135.2 of the Oklahoma Statutes to improve the issuance and management of special license plates for disabled veterans and military personnel. The bill empowers Service Oklahoma to design and issue these plates, which will recognize various military honors, including those for prisoners of war and recipients of military decorations. It establishes that these special plates are non-transferable and must be removed upon vehicle ownership transfer. The legislation also details provisions for different types of special plates, including those for Congressional Medal of Honor and Purple Heart recipients, and outlines eligibility requirements, fee structures, and renewal processes. Notably, certain plates will be exempt from registration fees.

Furthermore, the bill expands the eligibility criteria for Disabled Veterans License Plates, allowing qualifying veterans to apply for up to four vehicles instead of two. It also provides a process for surviving spouses of deceased disabled veterans to apply for a license plate for one vehicle under specific conditions. The bill introduces various specialized license plates for military veterans and active service members, requiring proof of military service or achievements for eligibility. A fee of Eight Dollars ($8.00) is established for these plates, with funds initially directed to the Oklahoma Tax Commission Reimbursement Fund before being redirected to the Service Oklahoma Reimbursement Fund after January 1, 2023. The bill is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 47-1135.2
Floor (House): 47-1135.2
Engrossed: 47-1135.2