WeVote

Bill

Bill

S 5894

Establishes distinctive "POW-MIA" license plates and establishes the "POW-MIA awareness fund"

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Andrew Lanza

Bill S 5894 creates special "POW-MIA" license plates and establishes a fund to raise awareness and support educational initiatives for POW-MIA issues, benefiting veterans and the public.

REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 5894

Summary of Bill S 5894

Overview

Bill S 5894 aims to establish distinctive "POW-MIA" (Prisoner of War - Missing in Action) license plates and create a dedicated "POW-MIA Awareness Fund." This legislation seeks to honor and raise awareness for individuals who have been prisoners of war or are still missing in action, while also providing a mechanism for funding related initiatives.

Main Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of Bill S 5894 is to:
- Honor POW-MIA Individuals: By creating a special license plate, the bill aims to recognize the sacrifices made by service members who have been captured or are unaccounted for.
- Raise Awareness: The establishment of the POW-MIA Awareness Fund is intended to support educational programs and initiatives that promote awareness of POW-MIA issues.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several important provisions:
1. Distinctive License Plates:
- The bill mandates the design and issuance of unique "POW-MIA" license plates for vehicles registered in the state.
- The specifics of the design and any associated fees for obtaining these plates will be determined by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

  1. POW-MIA Awareness Fund:

    • The bill establishes a dedicated fund to support awareness initiatives related to POW-MIA issues.
    • Funding may be used for educational programs, outreach efforts, and other activities that promote understanding and recognition of POW-MIA matters.
  2. Implementation Timeline:

    • The bill was introduced on March 3, 2025, and has been referred to the Transportation Committee for further consideration.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Veterans and Military Families: The bill directly impacts veterans and families of POW-MIA individuals by providing them with a means of recognition and support.
  • General Public: The awareness initiatives funded by the POW-MIA Awareness Fund will benefit the broader community by educating the public about the significance of POW-MIA issues.

Legislative Status

  • As of the latest update, Bill S 5894 has been referred to the Transportation Committee for review and further action. The progress of the bill will depend on discussions and decisions made within this committee.

Related Legislation

Bill S 5894 is related to several prior-session bills, including:
- S 6399
- S 4986
- S 4325
- A 4125 (companion bill)

These related bills may provide context or additional frameworks for understanding the legislative intent and history surrounding POW-MIA recognition efforts.

This summary provides a clear understanding of Bill S 5894, its objectives, key provisions, and potential impact on veterans and the community.

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

Sign in to ask a question.