Bill
H 3671
Massachusetts bill lets the RMV issue Purple Heart plates to eligible veterans; first plate is free, later sets incur standard registration fees, honoring recipients on vehicles.
Note: The file for H.3671 contains two distinct, unrelated items: (A) a Massachusetts bill titled “An Act relative to Purple Heart registration plates” amending Chapter 90 of the Massachusetts General Laws; and (B) a ceremonial South Carolina House resolution expressing sympathy on the death of Vivian Wingard Washington. The summary below covers both, emphasizing the Massachusetts bill as the statutory proposal and noting the separate ceremonial resolution.
Purpose and intent
- To authorize the Massachusetts Registrar of Motor Vehicles to issue distinctive motor vehicle registration plates (or emblems) bearing the image of the Purple Heart medal to qualifying Purple Heart recipients, and to set the fee treatment for those plates.
Key provisions
- Amends Section 2 of Chapter 90 (replaces existing sixteenth paragraph).
- Directs the registrar to furnish distinctive registration plates bearing a Purple Heart image for private passenger motor vehicles and motorcycles owned by veterans who (a) meet the definition of “veteran” in clause Forty‑third of §7 of Chapter 4 and (b) provide evidence of having been awarded the Purple Heart, as deemed satisfactory by the registrar.
- The first set of such Purple Heart plates issued to an eligible veteran is provided at no charge.
- The registrar may charge the established registration fee for private passenger vehicles or motorcycles for any additional sets of such plates or emblems.
Who is affected
- Veterans awarded the Purple Heart who own private passenger motor vehicles or motorcycles in Massachusetts.
- Registrar/RMV administrative staff (verification and plate issuance processes).
- Potentially municipal or state fee/revenue streams (first plate exempt from charge; subsequent sets generate standard registration fees).
Implementation and procedure
- Eligibility is verified by “evidence deemed satisfactory” to the registrar (administrative procedures to be set by RMV).
- The bill references existing veteran definition in Chapter 4, §7 (clause Forty‑third).
Potential impacts
- Honors Purple Heart recipients with a visible designation on their vehicle.
- Administrative impact: RMV must establish verification and issuance procedures.
- Fiscal impact: minimal loss of revenue from waived first‑set fee; ongoing fee revenue for additional sets remains at established registration levels. Exact fiscal effect depends on uptake and administrative costs.
Related/administrative notes
- Similar matter filed in prior session: House No. 3280 (2023–2024).
- Petitioners include Rep. Homar Gómez and several co‑petitions (listed in bill text).
- Legislative actions (as recorded): Introduced and adopted (1/15/2025); referred to Transportation (2/27/2025); Senate concurred (2/27/2025); hearing scheduled for 07/22/2025 (notice dated 07/10/2025).
Purpose and nature
- A ceremonial South Carolina House resolution expressing profound sorrow at the death of Vivian Wingard Washington (d. July 9, 2024) and extending sympathy to her family and friends.
Contents (highlights)
- Provides biographical details: born Feb 6, 1933; education (Booker T. Washington High School; bachelor’s degree from Allen University in 1959; graduate coursework at University of South Carolina); 25‑year first‑grade teaching career; active volunteer and member of several civic organizations (Delta Sigma Theta, The Links, Inc., The Moles, The Smart Set); family information.
- Expresses gratitude for her life and service and directs that a copy of the resolution be presented to her family.
Effect
- Purely honorary/ceremonial; carries no legal or regulatory effect.
If you want, I can:
- Draft suggested statutory language for RMV verification procedures.
- Produce a one‑page factsheet for veterans explaining eligibility and how to apply for the Purple Heart plate.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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