Iowa House Bill HF2142

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/24
• Refer: 1/25/24

Caption

A bill for an act relating to personalized fire fighter and emergency medical services special registration plates, and providing fees.(See HF 2579.)

Impact

Currently, there are provisions allowing for special registration plates for active or retired fire fighters and current EMS members. The changes proposed in HF2142 amend existing laws to specifically include personalized options for these plates. The standard fee for these personalized plates is set at $25, in addition to regular registration fees, and this amount aligns with fees for other specialty plates. By introducing personalized fire fighter and EMS plates, the bill aims to encourage pride and recognition among those in these critical roles.

Summary

House File 2142 is a legislative bill that aims to expand the availability of personalized special registration plates for current and retired members of fire departments and emergency medical services (EMS) agencies in Iowa. The bill authorizes the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue personalized fire fighter and EMS registration plates, allowing these individuals to showcase their service through distinctive vehicle plates. This initiative reflects an acknowledgment of the dedication and contributions of fire and EMS personnel to their communities.

Conclusion

HF2142 is positioned as a supportive measure for enhancing community recognition of fire fighters and EMS personnel. By allowing personalized registration plates, it seeks to foster a sense of identity and appreciation among individuals serving in these demanding roles. As the bill progresses, it will likely continue to attract attention concerning its implications for fiscal management and community impact, especially among those directly affected by the associated fees and regulations.

Contention

While the bill explicitly aims to recognize the hard work of fire and EMS personnel, some discussions around special registration plates often highlight the associated costs and administrative considerations for issuing personalized options. Concerns may arise regarding whether the introduction of additional fee structures is financially reasonable, especially for volunteers, as well as managing the equitable distribution of registration resources among different services. Nevertheless, the overall sentiment seems to favor enhancing recognition of these essential services.