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Bill

SD 1737

An Act relative to the air medal license plate

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jason Lewis and 1 co-sponsor

Creates Air Medal veteran license plates in Massachusetts, allowing decorated military veterans to display special plates recognizing their aerial service achievements.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SD 1737

Legislative bill overview

SD 1737 establishes a special license plate designation for recipients of the Air Medal, a U.S. military decoration awarded for heroism or meritorious service involving aerial flight. The bill allows eligible veterans to display this plate as recognition of their military service and would require the Registry of Motor Vehicles to create and manage the program.

Why is this important

Special military license plates serve as public recognition of veteran service and can provide veterans with a sense of community identity. The Air Medal is a significant decoration with specific criteria, making this a targeted honor for those who served in aerial combat or high-risk flight operations during military service.

Potential points of contention

  • Administrative costs: Establishing a new plate design, production system, and verification process creates state expenses with unclear funding mechanisms
  • Verification burden: Determining eligibility requires the Registry to verify military records and validate Air Medal recipients, raising questions about administrative procedures and privacy
  • Scope justification: Why the Air Medal specifically—does this open the door to plates for other military decorations, potentially creating dozens of specialized plates and straining resources

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

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