SB 740

This bill exempts special group plates for gold star families from personalized

registration plate fees.

Current law enumerates special groups whose members may obtain from the

Department of Transportation special motor vehicle registration plates. Among the

special groups is a group for persons who qualify under federal law for a gold star

lapel button (commonly known as gold star family), which signifies that the recipient

is the immediate family member of a member of the U.S. armed forces who died while

serving during a time of conflict. Special group plates may be personalized by the

person to whom the plates are issued.

Under current law, DOT collects a registration fee for initial and renewal

registrations of most motor vehicles. In addition to the regular registration fee, DOT

charges an annual fee of $15 for the issuance or reissuance of most special

registration plates and an additional annual fee of $15 for the issuance,

maintenance, or reissuance of most personalized plates.

Under current law, gold star special registration plate holders must pay the

general registration fee, but are not assessed the special registration fee. If the plate

holder personalizes the plate, he or she is assessed the $15 personalization fee. The

bill exempts special group plates for gold star families from the personalization fee.