Bill
S 2453
Massachusetts authorizes Purple Heart plates for eligible veterans; first set is free, additional sets incur standard registration fees; RMV verifies eligibility.
An Act relative to Purple Heart registration plates
Note on sources and numbering
- The materials provided contain conflicting jurisdictional metadata (references to a New York "No Citizen Is Above the Law Act" and sponsors from New York) but the full bill text and docket (Senate Docket No. 1112; presented by John C. Velis) correspond to a Massachusetts bill titled "An Act relative to Purple Heart registration plates." This summary treats the bill text on Purple Heart registration plates as the operative content. Verify with the official state legislative website if you need confirmation of bill number, sponsor, or chamber.
Purpose and intent
- To authorize distinctive vehicle registration plates (and emblems) bearing the Purple Heart medal image for Massachusetts veterans who have been awarded the Purple Heart, and to set terms for issuance and fees.
Key provisions
- Amends Section 2 of Chapter 90 of the Massachusetts General Laws by replacing the existing sixteenth paragraph.
- Directs the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to furnish distinctive registration plates bearing the image of the Purple Heart Medal for private passenger motor vehicles and motorcycles owned by eligible veterans.
- Eligibility: veterans as defined in clause Forty‑third of section 7 of chapter 4 who have been awarded the Purple Heart, upon presentation of evidence satisfactory to the Registrar.
- The first set of Purple Heart registration plates issued to an eligible veteran must be furnished at no charge.
- The Registrar may charge the established registration fee for private passenger motor vehicles or motorcycles for each additional set of such plates or emblems.
Who is affected
- Eligible Purple Heart recipients who own private passenger vehicles or motorcycles in Massachusetts — they become eligible to receive a distinct Purple Heart plate.
- Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) for implementation, verification of award documentation, production, and fee collection processes.
- Motor vehicle registration fee revenue may be minimally affected (waiver for first set; continued fees for additional sets).
Procedural status and timeline (from provided records)
- Filed as Senate Docket No. 1112 on 01/15/2025 (presented by Sen. John C. Velis).
- Appears to have advanced in the legislative process: listed as passed by the Senate (05/21/2025) and delivered to the House/Assembly; hearings and committee referrals are noted (Transportation committee referral, hearing scheduled 07/22/2025). Multiple entries indicate referral to "Codes" on several dates — confirm current status with the official legislative clerk.
Implications and implementation notes
- No explicit fiscal estimates or appropriation language included; cost impacts limited to plate manufacture and administrative processing. The bill waives the fee only for the first set; subsequent sets are charged at standard registration rates.
- Eligibility depends on documentation standards set by the Registrar; implementing regulations or RMV guidance would be required to define acceptable proof.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
