AB 433

Under current law, any group or organization may apply to the Department of

Transportation for designation as an authorized special group. If the application is

approved, members of the authorized special group may obtain special

distinguishing registration plates for certain vehicles, including automobiles and

motor homes, that are owned or leased by special group members. A fee, in addition

to the regular registration fee for the particular kind of vehicle, is charged for the

issuance or reissuance of most special plates.

Current law recognizes as an authorized special group persons who have had

an immediate family member die while serving in the U.S. armed forces, or in forces

incorporated as part of the U.S. armed forces, if the immediate family member is

eligible for a gold star lapel button under federal law. "Immediate family member"

includes a spouse, grandparent, parent, sibling, child, and others. These persons

may obtain special plates displaying a gold star flag (gold star plates). Unlike most

special plates, these gold star plates are not subject to any additional fee for their

issuance or reissuance. However, the vehicle owner or lessee is required to pay the

regular registration fee and, if the plates are personalized, any additional fee for

having the plates personalized.

This bill establishes a special registration fee for vehicles issued gold star plates

if registered by the deceased service member's spouse or parent. The bill provides

an initial registration fee for these vehicles that is generally the regular registration

fee that would ordinarily apply for the same vehicle type, but then exempts the

vehicle from all registration renewal fees thereafter. A vehicle owner may register

only one vehicle at this special registration fee. The bill does not affect the applicable

fee for personalizing gold star plates.