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Bill

SF 1776

Special license plate establishment for veterans who received the Army of Occupation Medal

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gary Dahms and 2 co-sponsors

Authorize a Minnesota special license plate recognizing veterans who earned the Army of Occupation Medal; enables display and eligibility for a distinct plate.

Referred to Transportation
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Bill Summary · SF 1776

Summary of SF 1776 — Special License Plate Establishment for Army of Occupation Medal Veterans

Quick facts

  • Bill number: SF 1776
  • Title: Special license plate establishment for veterans who received the Army of Occupation Medal
  • Status: Referred to Transportation
  • Introduced: February 24, 2025
  • Companion: HF 833

Purpose and intent

SF 1776 proposes creating a new special license plate to recognize Minnesota veterans who earned the Army of Occupation Medal. The bill would authorize the issuance of a distinctive plate, presumably to be available to eligible veterans who meet the statutory criteria, alongside the standard license plate options currently available.

Key provisions (as typically included in this type of legislation)

Note: The exact text will define the precise details. Based on the bill title and common structure of veteran plate statutes, the bill would typically address:
- Eligibility: Criteria for veterans to qualify (recipient of the Army of Occupation Medal), and any requirements to demonstrate eligibility (proof of service, discharge status, etc.).
- Design and issuance: Approval process for the plate design by the relevant transportation/public safety authorities; number of plates available; handling of applications.
- Fees and revenue: Any initial issuance fees, annual plate renewal fees, and how fee revenue would be allocated (often to state veterans programs or related services).
- Application process: How veterans apply, required documentation, and where applications are submitted.
- Display and use: Rules about how the plate is displayed on vehicles and any limitations or conditions (e.g., compatibility with other plate types).
- Administration: Which agency administers the program (typically the Minnesota Department of Public Safety/Driver and Vehicle Services, with coordination by the Transportation Department).
- Enforcement and compliance: Provisions governing proper use and penalties for misuse, if applicable.
- Effective date: When the plate program would take effect upon enactment (and whether there are any phased provisions).

Who would be affected

  • Veterans: Minnesota residents who earned the Army of Occupation Medal and qualify under the bill’s criteria would be eligible to apply for the special plate.
  • State agencies: Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) and the Transportation Department would administer and oversee the program, including design, issuance, and fee collection.
  • Public safety and regulatory framework: Minor administrative adjustments to plate issuance processes and record-keeping.

Potential impact

  • Recognition and visibility: Provides a symbolic recognition for veterans who earned the Army of Occupation Medal.
  • Administrative workload: Adds a new plate option, requiring processing, design approvals, and fee administration; likely manageable within existing DVS operations.
  • Revenue implications: Possible minor revenue through issuance and renewal fees, with potential earmarking to veterans programs or services if specified in the final text.

Status and next steps

  • Introduced and first read on February 24, 2025; referred to the Transportation committee.
  • HF 833 is the companion bill. Movement would depend on committee action, potential amendment, and floor consideration.

This summary reflects the information available as of the introduction and committee referral. The bill’s full text will provide definitive eligibility details, fee structures, and implementation timelines.

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

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