Authorizes creation of US Navy Veteran license plates.
Impact
The bill mandates that any application for these specialty plates must be accompanied by a $50 fee and subsequent annual renewal fees will be $10. These fees will not only cover the administrative costs of producing and issuing the plates but will also fund a special non-lapsing 'United States Navy Veteran License Plate Fund.' The proceeds from this fund are earmarked for programs directly benefiting Navy veterans, thereby offering long-term support for veteran-related initiatives.
Summary
Assembly Bill A5225 aims to establish a program for issuing special United States Navy Veteran license plates in New Jersey. The primary objective of this initiative is to honorably recognize individuals who have served in the United States Navy. The license plates will prominently feature the inscription 'U.S. Navy Retired' along with specific Navy insignia to distinguish them from standard vehicle registration plates.
Contention
A notable contention within the bill is the stipulation that no state or public funds shall be utilized to cover initial implementation costs such as designing and producing the license plates. Instead, provisions dictate that private funding must be acquired to offset these initial costs, implying a reliance on community support and donations. This requirement may raise questions about the feasibility and sustainability of the program, as it necessitates a minimum of 500 completed applications before the program can be active, thereby placing a burden on veterans' organizations and supporters to ensure its success.
Authorizes creation of "Woman Veteran" license plates with emblem displaying silhouette of woman veteran saluting set against American flag background.
Authorizes creation of "Woman Veteran" license plates with emblem displaying silhouette of woman veteran saluting set against American flag background.