Bill Text: VA HB96 | 2024 | Regular Session | Prefiled
Bill Title: License plates, specialized and personalized; removes fees for plates issued to veterans, etc.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Introduced) 2024-01-18 - Stricken from docket by Transportation (22-Y 0-N) [HB96 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-HB96-Prefiled.html
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That §§46.2-725.3, 46.2-726, 46.2-740, 46.2-741, 46.2-742.1, 46.2-742.2, 46.2-742.4, 46.2-743, 46.2-745.1 through 46.2-745.5, 46.2-746.1, 46.2-746.2:2, 46.2-746.2:3, 46.2-746.2:4, 46.2-746.2:6, 46.2-746.3, 46.2-746.4, 46.2-746.5, 46.2-749.28, and 46.2-749.46 of the Code of Virginia are amended and reenacted as follows:
§46.2-725.3. Special license plates for veterans and recipients of certain military decorations.
A. No special license plate for
recipients of a military decoration shall be considered by the General Assembly
unless and until the person or entity seeking the authorization of such special
plate has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the General Assembly the order of
precedence of such military decoration as determined by the federal Department
of Defense or other relevant federal agency.
B. Any special license plate
for veterans or recipients of a
military decoration falling below the Medal of
Honor and above the Purple Heart in order of precedence, including such special license plates bearing
reserved numbers or letters as provided in §46.2-726,
shall be authorized for issuance by the Department with a $10
one-time fee in addition to for
the prescribed cost of state license plates. Any special
license plate for recipients of a military decoration falling below the Purple
Heart in the order of precedence shall be authorized for issuance by the
Department with a $10 annual special license plate fee in addition to the
prescribed cost of state license plates. Special license plates for recipients
of the Purple Heart shall be issued as provided in §46.2-742. The Department
is authorized to issue an additional plate reflecting the "V" for
Valor for any plate currently issued by the Department reflecting a military
decoration that the federal Department of Defense or other relevant federal
agency has determined is eligible for the "V" for Valor Device. The
Department shall charge only the prescribed cost of state license plates for
any plate design reflecting the "V" for Valor Device.
C. B. Notwithstanding
§46.2-725, special license plates for the recipients of a military decoration
are exempt from subdivisions B 1 and 2 of §46.2-725.
C. Unremarried surviving spouses of individuals eligible to receive such special license plates are also authorized to receive such special license plates.
§46.2-726. License plates with reserved numbers or letters; fees.
The Commissioner may, in his discretion, reserve license plates with certain registration numbers or letters or combinations thereof for issuance to persons requesting license plates so numbered and lettered. However, no such reserved license plates shall be issued to or renewed for any owner or co-owner of a vehicle who is registered pursuant to the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry Act (§9.1-900 et seq.) if the requested registration numbers or letters or combination thereof could be read, interpreted, or understood to be a reference to children.
License plates with reserved numbers or letters may be issued for and displayed on emergency medical services vehicles operated by emergency medical services agencies.
The annual fee or, in the case of permanent license plates for trailers and semitrailers, the one-time fee, for the issuance of any license plates with reserved numbers or letters shall be $10 plus the prescribed fee for state license plates. If those license plates with reserved numbers or letters are subject to an additional fee beyond the prescribed fee for state license plates, the fee for such special license plates with reserved numbers or letters shall be $10 plus the additional fee for the special license plates plus the prescribed fee for state license plates.
The annual fee for reissuing license plates with the same combination of letters and numbers as license plates that were previously issued but not renewed shall be $10 plus the prescribed fee for state license plates. If those license plates are special license plates subject to an additional fee beyond the prescribed fee for state license plates, the fee shall be $10 plus the additional fee for the special license plates plus the prescribed fee for state license plates.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this section and as provided in §46.2-725.3, no fee for a license plate with reserved numbers or letters shall be charged if such plate is a special license plate for (i) recipients of military decorations or (ii) military service members and such plate is issued to a veteran.
§46.2-740. Special license plates for survivors of Battle of Chosin Reservoir.
On receipt of an application and written evidence that the applicant is a survivor of the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, the Commissioner shall issue special license plates to the applicant.
For each set of license plates issued to a veteran under this section, the Commissioner shall charge the prescribed cost of state license plates.
The provisions of subdivisions 1 and 2 of subsection B of § 46.2-725 shall not apply to license plates issued under this section.
Unremarried surviving spouses of persons eligible to receive special license plates under this section may also be issued special license plates under this section.
§46.2-741. Special license plates for survivors of attack on Pearl Harbor.
On receipt of an application and written evidence that the applicant is an honorably discharged former member of one of the armed forces of the United States and, while serving in the armed forces of the United States, was present during the attack on the island of Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, on December 7, 1941, between the hours of 7:55 a.m. and 9:45 a.m., Hawaii time, the Commissioner shall issue to the applicant special license plates identifying the vehicle as registered to a Pearl Harbor survivor.
For each set of license plates issued under this section, the
Commissioner shall charge, in addition to
the prescribed cost of state license plates, a one-time
fee of ten dollars at the time the plates are issued.
The provisions of subdivisions 1 and 2 of subsection B of § 46.2-725 shall not apply to license plates issued under this section.
Unremarried surviving spouses of persons eligible to receive special license plates under this section may also be issued special license plates under this section.
§46.2-742.1. Special license plates for persons awarded the Bronze Star, Bronze Star with a "V" for valor, or the Silver Star.
On receipt of an application and written evidence that the applicant has been awarded a Bronze Star, Bronze Star with a "V" for valor, or Silver Star Medal, the Commissioner shall issue to the applicant special license plates.
For each set of license plates issued under this section, other than those that reflect the
Bronze Star, the Commissioner shall charge the prescribed
cost of state license plates. For Bronze Star license
plates, the Commissioner shall charge, in addition to the prescribed cost of
state license plates, a one-time fee of $10 at the time the plates are issued.
The provisions of subdivisions B 1 and 2 of §46.2-725 shall not apply to license plates issued under this section.
The design of license plates issued under this section to persons who have been awarded multiple decorations shall reflect the number of such decorations.
Unremarried surviving spouses of persons eligible to receive special license plates under this section may also be issued special license plates under this section.
§46.2-742.2. Special license plates for persons awarded the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Air Force Cross, the Distinguished Flying Cross, or the Distinguished Flying Cross with a "V" for Valor.
On receipt of an application and written evidence that the applicant has been awarded the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Air Force Cross, the Distinguished Flying Cross, or the Distinguished Flying Cross with a "V" for Valor, the Commissioner shall issue to the applicant special license plates.
The provisions of subdivisions B 1 and 2 of §46.2-725 shall not apply to license plates issued under this section.
Unremarried surviving spouses of persons eligible to receive special license plates under this section may also be issued special license plates under this section.
The design of license plates issued under this section to persons who have been awarded multiple decorations shall reflect the number of such decorations.
For each set of license plates issued under this section, other than those that reflect
the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Commissioner shall
charge the prescribed cost of state license plates. For
Distinguished Flying Cross license plates, the Commissioner shall charge, in
addition to the prescribed cost of state license plates, a one-time fee of $10
at the time the plates are issued.
§46.2-742.4. Special license plates for persons awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge.
On receipt of an application and written evidence that the applicant has been awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Commissioner shall issue to the applicant special license plates.
For each set of license plates issued under this section, the Commissioner shall charge the prescribed cost of state license plates.
Unremarried surviving spouses of persons eligible to receive special license plates under this section may also be issued special license plates under this section.
§46.2-743. Special license plates for active duty members of the armed forces of the United States and certain veterans; fees.
A. On receipt of an application and written evidence that the applicant is an honorably discharged former member of one of the armed forces of the United States, the Commissioner shall issue to the applicant special license plates. Unremarried surviving spouses of persons eligible to receive special license plates under this subsection may also be issued special license plates under this subsection.
B. On receipt of an application and written evidence that the applicant is on active duty with, has been honorably discharged after at least six months of active duty service in, or has retired from the United States Marine Corps, the Commissioner shall issue to the applicant special license plates whose design incorporates an emblem of the United States Marine Corps. Unremarried surviving spouses of persons eligible to receive special license plates under this subsection may also be issued special license plates under this subsection.
C. On receipt of an application and written evidence that the applicant is on active duty with, has been honorably discharged after at least six months of active duty service in, or has retired from the United States Army, the Commissioner shall issue to the applicant special license plates whose design incorporates an emblem of the United States Army. Unremarried surviving spouses of persons eligible to receive special license plates under this subsection may also be issued special license plates under this subsection.
D. On receipt of an application and written evidence that the applicant is on active duty with, has been honorably discharged after at least six months of active duty service in, or has retired from the United States Coast Guard, the Commissioner shall issue to the applicant special license plates whose design incorporates an emblem of the United States Coast Guard. Unremarried surviving spouses of persons eligible to receive special license plates under this subsection may also be issued special license plates under this subsection.
E. On receipt of an application and written evidence that the applicant is on active duty with, has been honorably discharged after at least six months of active duty service in, or has retired from the United States Navy, the Commissioner shall issue to the applicant special license plates whose design incorporates an emblem of the United States Navy. Unremarried surviving spouses of persons eligible to receive special license plates under this subsection may also be issued special license plates under this subsection. The annual fee for plates issued pursuant to this subsection to applicants on active duty shall be $25 in addition to the prescribed fee for state license plates. For each such $25 fee collected in excess of 1,000 registrations pursuant to this subsection, $15 shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to a special nonreverting fund known as the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Fund established within the Department of Accounts. These funds shall be paid annually to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society and used to support its operation and programs in Virginia. All other fees imposed under the provisions of this subsection shall be paid to, and received by, the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles and paid by him into the state treasury and set aside as a special fund to be used to meet the necessary expenses incurred by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
F. All special license plates that have been developed and issued pursuant to subsection B, C, D, or E shall also be issued to applicants who can provide documentation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs indicating that the applicant has been designated disabled, and that his disability is service-connected, and that he has been honorably discharged from a branch of the armed forces of the United States.
G. On receipt of an application and written evidence that the
applicant is a veteran of World War II, the Commissioner shall issue special
license plates to veterans of World War II. For each set
of license plates issued under this subsection, the Commissioner shall charge,
in addition to the prescribed cost of state license plates, a one-time fee of
$10 at the time the plates are issued. Unremarried
surviving spouses of persons eligible to receive special license plates under
this subsection may also be issued special license plates under this
subsection.
H. On receipt of an application and written evidence that the applicant is a veteran of the Korean War, the Commissioner shall issue special license plates to veterans of the Korean War. Unremarried surviving spouses of persons eligible to receive special license plates under this subsection may also be issued special license plates under this subsection.
I. On receipt of an application and written evidence that the applicant is a veteran of the Vietnam War, the Commissioner shall issue special license plates to veterans of the Vietnam War. Unremarried surviving spouses of persons eligible to receive special license plates under this subsection may also be issued special license plates under this subsection.
J. On receipt of an application and written evidence that the
applicant is a veteran of the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign, the Commissioner shall
issue special license plates to veterans of that campaign. For each set
of license plates issued under this subsection, the Commissioner shall charge,
in addition to the prescribed cost of state license plates, a one-time fee of
$10 at the time the plates are issued. Unremarried
surviving spouses of persons eligible to receive special license plates under
this subsection may also be issued special license plates under this
subsection.
K. On receipt of an application and written evidence that the applicant is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Commissioner shall issue special license plates to veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Unremarried surviving spouses of persons eligible to receive special license plates under this subsection may also be issued special license plates under this subsection.
L. On receipt of an application and written evidence that the applicant is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, the Commissioner shall issue special license plates to veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom. Unremarried surviving spouses of persons eligible to receive special license plates under this subsection may also be issued special license plates under this subsection.
M. On receipt of an application and written evidence that the applicant is a member of the Virginia Defense Force, the Commissioner shall issue special license plates to members of the Virginia Defense Force. Unremarried surviving spouses of persons eligible to receive special license plates under this subsection may also be issued special license plates under this subsection.
N. On receipt of an application and written evidence that the applicant is a veteran of Operation Desert Shield or Operation Desert Storm, the Commissioner shall issue special license plates to veterans of those military operations. Unremarried surviving spouses of persons eligible to receive special license plates under this subsection may also be issued special license plates under this subsection.
O. The provisions of subdivisions B 1 and B 2 of §46.2-725 shall not apply to license plates issued under subsections G, H, J, K, L, M, and N.
P. The Commissioner shall charge the prescribed cost of state license plates for each set of license plates issued pursuant to (i) subsection A, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, or N and (ii) subsection B, C, D, or E to a veteran.
§46.2-745.1. Special license plates for persons awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, the Airman's Medal, the Army Soldier's Medal, or the Coast Guard Medal.
On receipt of an application and written confirmation from one
of the armed services of the United States that the applicant has been awarded
the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, the Airman's Medal, the Army Soldier's Medal,
or the Coast Guard Medal, the Commissioner shall issue special license plates
to such persons. For each set of license plates issued under this section, the
Commissioner shall charge, in addition to
the prescribed cost of state license plates, a one-time
fee of $10 at the time the plates are issued.
It shall be unlawful for any person who is not a person described in this section to willfully and falsely represent himself as having the qualifications to obtain the special license plates herein provided for.
The provisions of subdivisions B 1 and 2 of §46.2-725 shall not apply to license plates issued under this section.
Unremarried surviving spouses of persons eligible to receive special license plates under this section may also be issued special license plates under this section.
§46.2-745.2. Special license plates for persons awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.
On receipt of an application and written confirmation from one of the armed services that the applicant has been awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Commissioner shall issue special license plates to such persons.
For each set of license
plates issued under this section, the Commissioner shall charge, in addition to the prescribed
cost of state license plates, an annual fee of $10.
It shall be unlawful for any person who is not a person described in this section to willfully and falsely represent himself as having the qualifications to obtain the special license plates herein provided for.
The provisions of subdivisions B 1 and 2 of §46.2-725 shall not apply to license plates issued under this section.
Unremarried surviving spouses of persons eligible to receive special license plates under this section may also be issued special license plates under this section.
§46.2-745.3. Special license plates for persons awarded the Air Medal.
On receipt of an application and written confirmation from one of the United States Armed Forces that the applicant has been awarded the United States Air Medal, the Commissioner shall issue special license plates for persons awarded the Air Medal to such person.
For each set of license
plates issued under this section, the Commissioner shall charge a $10 annual special license plate fee in addition
to the prescribed cost of state license plates.
It shall be unlawful for any person who is not a person described in this section to willfully and falsely represent himself as having the qualifications to obtain the special license plates herein provided for.
The provisions of subdivisions B 1 and 2 of §46.2-725 shall not apply to license plates issued under this section.
Unremarried surviving spouses of persons eligible to receive special license plates under this section may also be issued special license plates under this section upon application.
§46.2-745.4. Special license plates for persons awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Marine Corps Distinguished Service Medal, or the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal.
On receipt of an application and written confirmation from one of the armed services that the applicant has been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Marine Corps Distinguished Service Medal, or the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, the Commissioner shall issue special license plates to such persons.
For each set of license
plates issued under this section, the Commissioner shall charge, in addition to the prescribed
cost of state license plates, a one-time fee of $10 at the
time the plates are issued.
It shall be unlawful for any person who is not a person described in this section to willfully and falsely represent himself as having the qualifications to obtain the special license plates herein provided for.
The provisions of subdivisions B 1 and 2 of §46.2-725 shall not apply to license plates issued under this section.
Unremarried surviving spouses of persons eligible to receive special license plates under this section may also be issued special license plates under this section.
§46.2-745.5. Special license plates for persons awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal or the Defense Superior Service Medal.
On receipt of an application and written confirmation from one of the armed services that the applicant has been awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal or the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Commissioner shall issue special license plates to such persons.
For each set of license
plates issued under this section, the Commissioner shall charge, in addition to the prescribed
cost of state license plates, a one-time fee of $10 at the
time the plates are issued.
It shall be unlawful for any person who is not a person described in this section to willfully and falsely represent himself as having the qualifications to obtain the special license plates herein provided for.
The provisions of subdivisions B 1 and 2 of §46.2-725 shall not apply to license plates issued under this section.
Unremarried surviving spouses of persons eligible to receive special license plates under this section may also be issued special license plates under this section.
§46.2-746.1. Special license plates for members of military assault forces.
On receipt of an application and written evidence that the applicant is or has been, while serving in the armed forces of the United States, a member of a military assault force, the Commissioner shall issue to the applicant special license plates. For the purposes of this section, a military assault force is a unit or element of the armed forces of the United States engaged in or charged with the invasion or capture of territory under the control of enemy forces.
The provisions of subdivisions 1 and 2 of subsection B of § 46.2-725 shall not apply to license plates issued under this section.
For each set of license plates issued to a veteran under this section, the Commissioner shall charge the prescribed cost of state license plates.
Unremarried surviving spouses of persons eligible to receive special license plates under this section may also be issued special license plates under this section.
§46.2-746.2:2. Special license plates; members and former members of the 173rd Airborne Brigade.
On receipt of an application therefor and presentation of written evidence that the applicant is a member or former member of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, the Commissioner shall issue to the applicant special license plates.
The provisions of subdivisions 1 and 2 of subsection B of § 46.2-725 shall not apply to license plates issued under this section.
No license plates shall be issued under this
section unless and until a one-time fee of $3,500 shall have been paid to the
Commissioner.
For each set of license plates issued to a veteran under this section, the Commissioner shall charge the prescribed cost of state license plates.
Unremarried surviving spouses of persons eligible to receive special license plates under this section may also be issued special license plates under this section.
§46.2-746.2:3. Members and former members of the 3rd Infantry Regiment (Old Guard).
On receipt of an application therefor and presentation of written evidence that the applicant is a member or former member of the 3rd Infantry Regiment (Old Guard), the Commissioner shall issue special license plates to members and former members of the 3rd Infantry Regiment (Old Guard).
For each set of license plates issued to a veteran under this section, the Commissioner shall charge the prescribed cost of state license plates.
Unremarried surviving spouses of persons eligible to receive special license plates under this section may also be issued special license plates under this section.
§46.2-746.2:4. Members of the Special Forces Association; fee.
On receipt of an application therefor and presentation of written evidence that the applicant is a member of the Special Forces Association, the Commissioner shall issue to the applicant special license plates.
The provisions of subdivisions B 1 and 2 of §46.2-725 shall not apply to license plates issued under this section.
No license plates provided for in this section
shall be issued unless and until the Commissioner receives at least 50 prepaid
applications therefor and payment of a one-time fee of $3,500, less the total
amount of $10 annual fees collected from the prepaid applications received.
For each set of license plates issued to a veteran under this section, the Commissioner shall charge the prescribed cost of state license plates.
Unremarried surviving spouses of persons eligible to receive special license plates under this section may also be issued special license plates under this section.
§46.2-746.2:6. Special license plates; members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States organization.
On receipt of an application therefor and presentation of written evidence that the applicant is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States organization, the Commissioner shall issue special license plates to the applicant.
For each set of license plates issued under this section, the Commissioner shall charge the prescribed cost of state license plates.
Unremarried surviving spouses of persons eligible to receive special license plates under this section may also be issued special license plates under this section.
§46.2-746.3. Special license plates for members or veterans of certain military reserve organizations.
The Commissioner, on application therefor, shall issue special license plates to members or veterans of the Air Force Reserve, the Army Reserve, the Coast Guard Reserve, the Marine Reserve, and the Naval Reserve. Such special license plates may, when feasible, bear decals or stickers identifying the reserve organization of which the applicant is or was a member.
For each set of license plates issued to a veteran under this section, the Commissioner shall charge the prescribed cost of state license plates.
The provisions of subdivision B 2 of §46.2-725 shall not apply to license plates issued under this section.
Unremarried surviving spouses of persons eligible to receive special license plates under this section may also be issued special license plates under this section.
§46.2-746.4. Special license plates for members of certain military veterans' organizations.
On receipt of an application and written evidence that the applicant is a member of any of the following military veterans' organizations, the Commissioner shall issue special license plates to the members of the following organizations: the Legion of Valor of the USA, the Marine Corps League, the Retired Officers Association, the Veterans of the Battle of Iwo Jima, and the Vietnam Veterans of America.
For each set of license plates issued under this section, the Commissioner shall charge the prescribed cost of state license plates.
The provisions of subdivisions 1 and 2 of subsection B of § 46.2-725 shall not apply to license plates issued to members of the Legion of Valor of the USA under this section.
§46.2-746.5. Special license plates for National Guard retirees.
On receipt of an application and written evidence that the applicant is a retired member of the National Guard, the Commissioner shall issue special license plates to National Guard retirees.
No fee shall be charged for license plates issued under the
provisions of this section to retired members of the Virginia
National Guard.
The fee for non-Virginia National Guard retirees
shall be $10 per year plus the prescribed cost for state license plates, unless
the plates bear reserved numbers or letters as provided for in §46.2-726. In
this latter case, such license plates shall be subject to an additional charge
of $10 per year for the reserved numbers or letters.
Unremarried surviving spouses of persons eligible to receive special license plates under this section may also be issued special license plates under this section.
§46.2-749.28. Special license plates; Oceana Naval Air Station.
On receipt of an application therefor, the Commissioner shall issue to the applicant special license plates bearing the legend: OCEANA NAVAL AIR STATION.
For each set of license plates issued to a veteran under this section, the Commissioner shall charge the prescribed cost of state license plates.
§46.2-749.46. Special license plates; naval aviators.
On receipt of an application and written evidence that the applicant is or has been a naval aviator, the Commissioner shall issue to the applicant special license plates.
For each set of license plates issued to a veteran under this section, the Commissioner shall charge the prescribed cost of state license plates.
Unremarried surviving spouses of persons eligible to receive special license plates under this section may also be issued special license plates under this section.
2. That §1 of Chapter 245 of the Acts of Assembly of 2015 is amended and reenacted as follows:
§1. Special license plates for recipients of the Legion of
Merit Medal; fees.
On receipt of an application and written evidence that the
applicant has been awarded a Legion of Merit Medal, the Commissioner of the
Department of Motor Vehicles shall issue to the applicant special license
plates for recipients of the Legion of Merit Medal. For each set of license
plates issued to recipients of a Legion of Merit Medal, the Commissioner shall
charge a one-time fee of $10 at the time the plates are
issued in addition to the prescribed fee for state license
plates. Such license plates shall not be subject to the provisions of
subdivision B 1 or B 2 of §46.2-725 of the Code of Virginia. The design of
license plates issued to persons who have been awarded this decoration may vary
to reflect the degree of such decoration. Surviving spouses of persons eligible
to receive special license plates for recipients of the Legion of Merit Medal
who have not remarried may also be issued such license plates.
