Mississippi Senate Bill SB2126

Mississippi 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/24
• Refer: 1/19/24
• Failed: 3/5/24

Caption

Disabled veterans license tags; authorize tags to be labeled.

Impact

The proposed amendment significantly impacts state laws regarding the privileges afforded to disabled veterans. By enabling the issuance of special license plates, the bill recognizes the service of veterans who are permanently or significantly disabled. It also facilitates their ability to demonstrate their status while parked or driving. The bill stipulates that vehicles owned by disabled veterans will be exempt from all ad valorem and privilege taxes, providing both financial relief and recognition of their service.

Summary

Senate Bill 2126 is an amendment to Section 27-19-53 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 aimed at providing designated license tags for disabled veterans. The bill authorizes the issuance of such tags, which can be labeled either as '100% Disabled Veteran' or 'Disabled Veteran' for qualifying individuals. A key feature of the bill is that it allows these labeled tags to be purchased at a nominal fee of one dollar for each tag. Eligible recipients include those rated with a 100% permanent service-connected disability or at least a 70% nonpermanent service-connected disability by the Veterans Administration.

Contention

Notably, the bill includes provisions for the surviving spouses of deceased veterans, allowing them to apply for and maintain the special license tags as long as they remain unmarried. This aspect of the bill underscores the ongoing support provided to families of veterans. However, the bill imposes strict requirements for maintaining eligibility, such as the need for an updated benefits letter to prove disability ratings for those with non-permanent disabilities, which may prompt discussions regarding the administrative burden on veterans to comply with these stipulations.