WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 4691

An Act establishing an Orange Star license plate for veterans exposed to Agent Orange

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Shirley Arriaga and 16 co-sponsors

Creates a no-charge Orange Star license plate for Massachusetts Vietnam veterans with VA-recognized Agent Orange conditions, symbolizing appreciation.

Hearing scheduled for 12/10/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 4691

Summary of H.4691: An Act establishing an Orange Star license plate for veterans exposed to Agent Orange (Massachusetts)

Purpose and intent

  • Create a special license plate, the Orange Star plate, to recognize Vietnam veterans who have documented medical conditions attributed by the VA to service in Vietnam.
  • The plate serves as a symbolic acknowledgment (not an official military medal) of Agent Orange exposure and related health impacts.

Key provisions

  • The registrar of motor vehicles must furnish the Orange Star plate, at no charge, to Massachusetts residents who own a private passenger motor vehicle or motorcycle and who qualify under the bill.
  • Qualification requires evidence deemed satisfactory by the registrar showing the applicant is a Vietnam veteran with a VA-documented medical condition attributed to Vietnam service.
  • The plate is for one private passenger vehicle or motorcycle owned and principally used by the recipient.
  • The surviving spouse of a deceased recipient may elect to retain the Orange Star plates or emblem for personal use, subject to:
    • payment of the established registration fee for private passenger vehicles or motorcycles, and
    • an additional annual fee of $20, continuing until the spouse remarries or fails to renew/cancel the registration.
  • The recognition conferred by this plate is described as a symbol of appreciation for Agent Orange–affected veterans, not an officially issued military decoration.

Eligibility and scope

  • Applicants must be Massachusetts residents and owners of a private passenger vehicle or motorcycle.
  • The vehicle must be principally used by the eligible veteran or surviving spouse (as applicable).
  • Documentation must demonstrate a VA-recognized medical condition linked to Agent Orange exposure.

Fees and costs

  • Orange Star plate issued at no charge to eligible recipients.
  • Surviving spouses who retain the plate face:
    • the standard registration fee for a private passenger vehicle or motorcycle, plus
    • an ongoing annual $20 fee until remarriage or renewal/cancellation of registration.

Administrative details and implementation

  • Administered by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (registrar).
  • The emblem is a distinctive Orange Star identifier on the plate.
  • The provision explicitly notes the Orange Star emblem is a symbolic gesture of appreciation, not an official military decoration.

Legislative history and status

  • Introduced: August 21, 2025 (House Docket No. 4691).
  • Major actions:
    • 8/21/2025: Referred to House Rules.
    • 10/02/2025: Reported; referred to Joint Rules; rules suspended and referred to Transportation.
    • 10/30/2025: Senate concurred.
    • 12/10/2025 (1:00 PM–5:00 PM) in Room A-2: Hearing scheduled.
  • Related bill: HD 5057 (replaces).

Who is affected

  • Eligible Massachusetts veterans with VA-recognized Agent Orange–related medical conditions.
  • Surviving spouses of eligible veterans (with conditions on continuation of the emblem and fees).
  • DMV/registrar staff implementing eligibility verification and plate issuance.

Notable dates

  • Hearing: December 10, 2025, 1:00–5:00 PM, in A-2.
  • Status indicates ongoing consideration by the Transportation-related process, with prior committee referrals and Senate concurrence noted.

Related considerations

  • The bill specifies a symbolic recognition mechanism and a branding element (Orange Star emblem) to raise awareness of Agent Orange exposure impacts among veterans.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.