Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

Mississippi Senate Bill SB2924

Introduced

1/27/23

Refer

1/27/23

Failed

2/22/23

Caption

Disabled veterans motor vehicle license tags; revise certain provisions regarding disability and employability.

Impact

The passage of SB2924 will impact current state laws by clarifying and simplifying the eligibility criteria for disabled veterans seeking to obtain these special tags. By allowing these veterans access to significantly lower fees for vehicle registration, the bill serves to provide financial relief and is aimed at recognizing their service and sacrifices. Additionally, each qualifying veteran will receive an emblem to be displayed on their license tag, further promoting awareness and support for disabled veterans within the community.

Summary

Senate Bill 2924 aims to amend sections of the Mississippi Code related to the issuance of special motor vehicle and motorcycle license plates for disabled veterans. The bill revises the disability rating and employability requirements for veterans to qualify for these distinct tags. Specifically, it allows legal residents of Mississippi who are veterans rated with a 75% to 100% permanent service-connected disability or who are rated unemployable by the Veterans Administration to purchase two motor vehicle license plates or tags for a nominal fee of one dollar each, which applies to any make or model of motor vehicle.

Contention

Notably, the bill also stipulates that for a veteran rated as unemployable to renew their license plate, an updated benefits letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs must be provided. This requirement has raised concerns among some advocates about the potential bureaucratic hurdles that veterans may face when trying to renew their tags. Nevertheless, supporters argue that such measures are essential to ensure compliance and prevent misuse of the benefits intended for disabled veterans.