Authorizes the issuance of "Blue Star Mother" and "Blue Star Family" distinctive license plates for parents and family members of active duty service members; establishes the "blue star mothers and families support fund".
The implementation of this bill will amend the vehicle and traffic law, thereby introducing new provisions for the issuance of these distinctive license plates. Furthermore, it establishes a 'Blue Star Mothers and Families Support Fund' as part of the state finance law. This fund will be specifically allocated to support programs and organizations assisting family members of active duty military personnel, marking a significant step in providing tangible benefits to these families.
Bill S07720 aims to create distinct 'Blue Star Mother' and 'Blue Star Family' license plates for individuals whose family members are actively serving in the U.S. armed forces. This initiative is designed to honor and recognize the sacrifices of these families while providing them with a visible symbol of their support for military service members. The bill outlines the eligibility criteria for applicants wishing to obtain these specialized plates, emphasizing the familial relationship to active service members, including parents, spouses, children, siblings, and grandparents.
While the bill appears to have broad support, points of contention may arise regarding the funding mechanisms for the support fund and the associated fees for the license plates. An annual service charge of twenty-five dollars will be imposed for the distinctive plates, and there is a requirement for applicants to provide proof of their relationship to an active service member. There may be discussions regarding the adequacy of the fund and how effectively it will fulfill its intent to support military families over time.