SB 38

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.