Virginia 2022 Regular Session

Virginia House Bill HB168

Introduced

1/10/22

Refer

1/10/22

Caption

License plates, special; issuance to members of United States Air Force.

Impact

The bill primarily affects the administrative process involved in the issuance of these special license plates. It is intended to clarify the eligibility criteria, thus streamlining applications for veterans and service members. Furthermore, additional provisions are made for veterans designated as disabled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which would ensure they receive the same benefits as other qualifying veterans. The introduction of a one-time fee for certain license plates, specifically those related to World War II and the Korean War, is designed to cover administrative costs associated with issuing these special plates.

Summary

House Bill 168 is designed to amend and reenact a section of the Code of Virginia regarding the issuance of special license plates for members of the United States armed forces and certain veterans. The bill specifies that individuals who have served honorably or who are on active duty with the army, navy, air force, marine corps, or coast guard are eligible to receive these special plates, which can carry respective military emblems. Notably, the legislation also extends eligibility to unremarried surviving spouses of veterans, ensuring that families of those who served are also recognized.

Contention

While the bill primarily garners support for its intentions to honor those who have served, some concerns might arise regarding the implementation of the one-time fee, potentially viewed as a financial burden on certain veterans. Moreover, discussions could arise around the specifics of documentation required to prove eligibility, particularly in ensuring fair access to these plates across all qualifying veterans. Ensuring that the eligibility criteria are inclusive and straightforward will be essential in garnering widespread support for the bill.