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 in Massachusetts recognizing veterans with Agent Orange–related VA medical conditions.

Reported, referred to the committee on Joint Rules, reported, rules suspended and referred to the committee on Transportation

Purpose and intent

Establishes an Orange Star license plate to honor Massachusetts veterans exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam, serving as a non-medal symbol of appreciation for those affected.

The plate is for private passenger vehicles or motorcycles and is intended to identify Vietnam veterans with a VA-documented medical condition attributed to service in Vietnam.

Key provisions

Accessibility and cost

The Registrar of Motor Vehicles shall furnish the Orange Star plate to eligible Massachusetts residents at no charge for one private passenger vehicle or motorcycle owned and principally used by the eligible recipient.

Eligibility and documentation

Eligibility requires evidence satisfactory to the Registrar that the veteran has a documented medical condition attributed by the VA to service in Vietnam.

Surviving spouses

The surviving spouse of a deceased recipient may elect to retain the Orange Star plate or emblem for personal use.
The surviving spouse must pay the established registration fee for private passenger vehicles or motorcycles and an additional annual $20 fee until remarriage or until renewal/cancellation of the registration.

Scope of use

The plate bears the Orange Star emblem and identifies qualifying Vietnam veterans with Agent Orange-related conditions.

Not a military medal

The designation is explicitly stated as not being an official military medal, but rather a symbol of appreciation for those affected by Agent Orange.

Affected parties

Eligible veterans residing in Massachusetts who have a VA-recognized medical condition attributed to Vietnam service.

Surviving spouses of eligible veterans (with ongoing annual fee provisions if they choose to retain the plate after the veteran’s death).

Massachusetts Registrar of Motor Vehicles (administrative entity responsible for issuance and eligibility verification).

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and sponsorship

Introduced: August 21, 2025.
Sponsored by Representatives Hawkins (Attleboro) and Pease (Westfield).

Legislative path (recent actions)

August 21, 2025: Referred to the House Rules Committee.
October 2, 2025: Reported and referred to the Joint Rules Committee; rules suspended and referred to the Transportation Committee.

Status

Reported and referred along with rules suspension to the Transportation Committee; currently a proposed bill (HD 5057).

Practical considerations

Financial impact on state and individuals

No charge to eligible recipients for the plate itself; standard registration fees apply to the surviving spouse for continued use, plus a $20 annual fee.

Administration

Relies on documentation acceptable to the Registrar for VA-attributed conditions; requires ongoing eligibility verification.

Public messaging

Delineates Agent Orange-related recognition as symbolic rather than an official medal, aligning with respectful acknowledgment without creating new honors.

Overall, this bill creates a targeted, low-cost recognition program via a specialty license plate for Massachusetts veterans affected by Agent Orange, with a clear path for surviving spouses to continue participation under fee provisions.

Bill