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S 5395

Authorizes distinctive license plates for recipients of the Bronze or Silver star

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jessica Scarcella-Spanton

The bill would authorize distinctive Bronze Star and Silver Star license plates for recipients, with eligibility, design, fees, and administration set by the state licensing author

REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
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Bill Summary · S 5395

Summary of Bill S 5395 — Distinctive License Plates for Bronze/Silver Star Recipients

Overview

S 5395 is a Senate bill introduced on February 21, 2025, that would authorize the issuance of distinctive license plates recognizing recipients of the Bronze Star Medal or the Silver Star Medal. The bill is currently referred to the Transportation committee. The primary sponsor is Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton.

Purpose and Intent

  • Create a formal program to acknowledge military valor by allowing Bronze Star and Silver Star recipients to obtain distinctive license plates.
  • Promote public recognition of individuals who have earned these medals while balancing administrative and fiscal considerations for the state.

Key Provisions (What the bill would do)

  • Authorize the issuance of distinctive license plates specifically for recipients of the Bronze Star Medal or the Silver Star Medal.
  • Establish an eligibility framework (proof of award) and an application process to obtain the plates.
  • Delegate design, production, and regulatory details to the appropriate state transportation department (e.g., vehicle licensing agency), including any safety, display, and maintenance requirements.
  • Set forth administrative rules governing plate issuance, renewal, and any associated fees or surcharges (to be determined by the implementing agency).
  • Clarify that recipients would use these plates on eligible motor vehicles, subject to existing vehicle registration and plate provisions.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: Recipients of the Bronze Star Medal and the Silver Star Medal.
  • Secondary stakeholders: The Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent licensing authority), law enforcement who may encounter the plates, and the general public who would recognize the insignia in the state.
  • Potential impact on plate inventory, processing capacity, and program funding through any fees associated with the distinctive plates.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: February 21, 2025.
  • Status: Referred to Transportation (committee consideration planned or pending).
  • No further legislative actions are listed in the provided information (e.g., no committee votes or floor actions yet).

Related Legislation

  • Assembly counterparts and prior-session bills include: A 1132, A 1631, A 1957, A 866, A 10739, A 527, A 3508, A 67, S 8891.
  • Companion bill: A 3181 (listed as a companion in the provided materials; appears twice in the related list).

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • Symbolic recognition of military service can foster public awareness and appreciation.
  • The bill would require careful administration to verify eligibility and manage plate production/issuance without imposing undue burden on the licensing authority.
  • Financial implications depend on any fees set for the distinctive plates and the program’s administrative costs.
  • As a new program, oversight and compliance would be important to ensure plate integrity and prevent misuse.

This summary captures the bill’s core purpose, expected provisions, affected parties, and current legislative posture based on the provided bill details.

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

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