New Jersey Assembly Bill A2843

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/22
• Refer: 2/28/22

Caption

Authorizes creation of Woman Veteran license plates.

Impact

The funds generated from the license plate fees will be allocated to the 'Woman Veteran License Plate Fund', which is designated to support programs benefitting female veterans, including grants for providing shelter to homeless female veterans. The Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs in New Jersey will manage these funds to ensure they are used effectively for the intended purposes. This initiative is expected to enhance support for female veterans, addressing specific needs within this demographic.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2843 proposes the establishment of special license plates aimed at honoring Woman Veterans in New Jersey. The bill stipulates that these license plates will feature the words 'Woman Veteran' along with standard registration numbers. To apply for these plates, veterans must submit proof of their veteran status through documentation such as a DD-214 form and pay a one-time application fee of $50 in addition to standard motor vehicle registration fees. An annual renewal fee of $10 will be required thereafter.

Contention

While the bill is aimed at honoring and supporting women veterans, it has raised questions about the funding model and the requirement for private funding to cover initial setup costs. The bill specifies that no state or public funds may be used for the initial expenses involved in designing and implementing the license plate program. Concerns have been voiced about whether the reliance on non-public donations could affect the timeliness and efficacy of the program's implementation, especially if the required number of applications and fees does not materialize within the stipulated timeframe.