An Act creating a Legion of Merit license plate

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Todd Smola

Establishes a voluntary, no-cost license plate for Legion of Merit recipients (and a $20 annual fee for surviving spouses) to publicly honor their award.

Hearing scheduled for 07/14/2026 from 09:00 AM-05:00 PM in Written Testimony Only

Summary of Bill: H 5529 (194th General Court, Massachusetts)

Purpose and intent

Establishes a new special license plate program to honor Legion of Merit recipients.

The bill requires the Massachusetts Registrar to issue distinctive license plates or a distinctive emblem to eligible veterans, recognizing their Legion of Merit award.

Key provisions and changes

Eligibility and issuance

The registrar must provide, at no cost, distinctive license plates bearing the words “LEGION OF MERIT RECIPIENT” to private passenger vehicle owners who are veterans and who have been awarded the Legion of Merit.
The plates are for one private passenger vehicle owned and principally used by the Legion of Merit recipient.
For motorcycles, a distinctive emblem may be issued to be affixed to a “VETERAN” registration plate, for the motorcycle owned and principally used by the recipient.

Evidence and administration

Issuance is contingent on evidence deemed satisfactory by the registrar that the applicant is a Legion of Merit recipient.

Surviving spouses

The surviving spouse of a deceased Legion of Merit recipient may elect to retain the distinctive plates or emblem for personal use.
The spouse must pay the established registration fee for private passenger vehicles or motorcycles and an additional annual $20 fee.
The additional $20 fee applies until the spouse remarries or fails to renew/cancel the registration.

Scope and limitations

Applies to private passenger motor vehicles and motorcycles as described.
The program is a state-administered option, not mandatory for all veterans; it is a voluntary designation for those who qualify and choose to enroll.

Affected parties

Legion of Merit recipients (veterans) who own private passenger vehicles or motorcycles in Massachusetts.

Surviving spouses of Legion of Merit recipients, with options to retain the plates/emblem under specified fees.

Massachusetts Department of Transportation / Registry of Motor Vehicles (Registrar), which would administer issuance and record-keeping.

General public, which may gain increased visibility of veterans’ honors on the road.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Legislative history:

Referred to House Rules on May 29, 2025.
Subsequently moved through transportation-related committee processes (indicated action history shows involvement of Joint Rules and Transportation).
Senate concurrence achieved on June 23, 2026, indicating the bill was adopted by the Senate and likely sent to the Governor for signature (subject to final veto/approval processes).

Effective date: Not explicitly stated in the text provided; typically, if enacted, effective dates are specified in the act or upon passage.

Practical impact

Provides a no-cost, voluntary means to publicly recognize Legion of Merit recipients on their vehicles.

Generates a modest ongoing revenue impact from the optional 20-dollar annual fee for surviving spouses who choose to retain plates/emblems.

Enhances visibility of veterans’ honors and could serve as a nationwide model for similar recognition programs in other jurisdictions.