Vehicles: Gold Star Family license plates.
The legislation significantly alters the handling of specialized license plates by ensuring that Gold Star Family plates are issued in a sequential series while exempting them from certain fees associated with regular specialized plates. This change is intended to streamline the process for families of fallen soldiers while simultaneously generating funding for the Veterans Service Office Fund, thereby improving state support for veterans. Additionally, by explicitly stating that local authorities are prohibited from enacting ordinances conflicting with state law on vehicle matters, the bill reinforces state preemption in vehicle-related regulations.
Assembly Bill 1369 aims to amend existing regulations surrounding specialized license plates issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in California. Specifically, it focuses on the Gold Star Family license plates, which are designed for qualifying family members of deceased service members. The bill mandates that from January 1, 2021, the DMV will issue these Gold Star Family plates as environmental license plates if applicants pay the requisite environmental and specialized plate fees. The revenue generated will initially support the Motor Vehicle Account and, once implementation costs are covered, will contribute to the Veterans Service Office Fund, enhancing financial support for veterans services.
The sentiment surrounding AB 1369 appears largely positive among veteran advocacy groups and supporters who highlight the importance of providing benefits and recognition to families of deceased service members. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the broader implications of state preemption over local initiatives and the potential loss of local governance authority in matters concerning vehicle regulations. This dichotomy generates a nuanced discussion about the balance between state oversight and local control, particularly in serving the unique needs of communities.
Notable points of contention include the broader implications of state preemption that the bill embodies, as it restricts local authorities from imposing additional regulations related to specialized license plates unless expressly permitted by state law. Critics argue that such preemption could inhibit local efforts to tailor solutions to specific community needs, while supporters believe it will create a more uniform and efficient licensing process across California.