Vehicle Laws - Special Registration Plates - Submarine Warfare
Notes
Overall, SB463 reflects a commitment to recognizing and memorializing the service of veterans while also ensuring that the production and issuance of specialized registration plates are managed efficiently through the MVA.
Impact
The bill allows vehicle owners, lessees, or individuals associated with a business entity that owns the applicable vehicle to apply for these special registration plates provided they can prove their status as honorably discharged veterans of the U.S. Navy. The classes of vehicles eligible for these plates include passenger vehicles, certain trucks, farm vehicles, trailers, and multipurpose vehicles, which broadens the scope of applicability across various vehicle types.
Summary
Senate Bill 463, titled 'Vehicle Laws - Special Registration Plates - Submarine Warfare', proposes the creation of a specialized registration plate that displays the statement 'Submarine Warfare'. This initiative aims to honor the contributions of U.S. Navy veterans, particularly those who have served in submarine warfare. The bill mandates the Maryland Vehicle Administration (MVA) to design and produce these plates, making them available to eligible applicants.
Contention
While the bill appears straightforward in its intention to commemorate veterans, there may be underlying discussions regarding the financial implications. The bill stipulates that a one-time fee will be required for the issuance of these registration plates, although this fee will not contribute to the gasoline and motor vehicle revenue account. Such financial stipulations could raise questions about the management and allocation of state funds, particularly concerning veterans' services and how fees are structured in relation to market practices for other specialized plates.