WeVote
Log In

Bill

MC

Bill

A 9351

Relates to the issuance of license plates for disabled veterans

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Michael Cashman and 9 co-sponsors

Expands disability license plate eligibility to include veterans rated 100% disabled by the VA, allowing these veterans to obtain state disability plates.

ADVANCED TO THIRD READING CAL.370
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 9351

Summary of New York Assembly Bill A. 9351 (2025-2026)

Title

Relates to the issuance of license plates for disabled veterans

Purpose and intent

The bill amends the Vehicle and Traffic Law to expand eligibility for special license plates that denote disability status, by explicitly including veterans who are rated 100% disabled by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The change aims to facilitate access to license plates designed for individuals with disabilities, specifically by recognizing veterans with total VA disability ratings as eligible recipients.

Key provisions and changes

  • Amends Subdivision 4 of § 404-a of the Vehicle and Traffic Law (as previously amended by Chapter 376 of the Laws of 2015) to alter the eligibility criteria for special license plates for disabled persons.
  • The new provision adds a new eligibility category:
    • (e) A person who is rated 100% disabled by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
  • The existing categories and language remain, but the addition broadens eligibility to include veterans with a total VA disability rating, aligning state policy with federal disability determinations.
  • The section references and maintains the existing framework that allows certain conditions (physical/mental impairments) to qualify for disability plates when certified by appropriate licensed medical professionals, and it lists: physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, podiatrists, and optometrists (as applicable under the law).

Who is affected

  • New York residents who are:
    • Veterans with a VA rating of 100% disabled, who previously may not have had explicit eligibility under the state statute for certain disability license plates.
    • The change ensures these veterans can obtain license plates that indicate disability status, aligning state benefits with federal disability determinations.
  • DMV and law enforcement agencies administering and recognizing disability license plates, as the eligibility criterion is expanded.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective Date: Immediate upon enactment.
  • Committee and sponsor actions:
    • Introduced in the Assembly by M. of A. Magnarelli (and multiple co-sponsors listed).
    • Referred to the Committee on Transportation, with subsequent actions indicated (amendments, recommitments, and reports to Ways and Means).
  • The bill’s progress includes several standard legislative steps: filing, committee consideration, potential amendments, and floor votes in both houses, with a final passage required before becoming law.

Practical impact and considerations

  • Simplifies access for disabled veterans with total VA disability ratings to obtain state-issued license plates for disabled individuals.
  • May require updates to DMV forms and processes to reflect the new eligibility criterion.
  • Could interact with existing disability plate categories, including those for blind individuals and other qualifying conditions, by adding a veteran-specific pathway.
  • No changes to fees or plate design are specified in the text provided; impact would depend on current fee structures and any further implementing regulations.

If you’d like, I can also compare this bill to current law or provide a plain-language explanation for veterans’ advocacy groups.

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

Sign in to ask a question.