Authorizes creation of US Navy Veteran license plates.
The funds collected from the sale of these specialty license plates will be directed into a special non-lapsing fund dedicated to supporting programs for Navy veterans. After administrative costs are deducted, the remaining funds will be appropriated annually to the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs. This financial structure aims to ensure sustainability for veteran support programs without relying on state or public funds to cover initial implementation costs.
Senate Bill S4073 proposes the creation of special United States Navy Veteran license plates specifically for honorably discharged Navy veterans in New Jersey. The bill instructs the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to oversee the issuance and design of these license plates, which will feature the words 'U.S. Navy Retired' and Navy insignia. An application for these plates will also require the submission of documentation proving the applicant's veteran status, along with an application fee of $50. Additionally, there will be an annual renewal fee of $10 associated with these plates.
One notable point of contention is the stipulation that the program will not be implemented unless 500 applications are collected, along with the necessary funds to offset initial setup costs not exceeding $25,000, contributed by private sources. The bill specifies that the initiative may lapse if the average cost of license plate production exceeds the application fee for two consecutive fiscal years, a condition that could hinder long-term viability of the program. Such provisions raise concerns about the potential accessibility and continued availability of the special plates, depending on the response from the veteran community.