Virginia House Bill HB1868

Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/23
• Refer: 1/10/23

Caption

License plates, special; military service, unremarried surviving spouses.

Impact

Upon enactment, HB1868 is expected to modify existing state laws regarding vehicle registration and the recognition of military service through special vehicular insignia. Specifically, the bill adds a layer of acknowledgment for the surviving spouses of veterans, allowing them to obtain license plates that signify their loved one’s service. This legislative change could enhance the visibility of military sacrifice in the state and provide a sense of honor to families of deceased veterans. Moreover, the implementation of license plates for surviving spouses emphasizes the state’s commitment to honor veterans, potentially increasing community awareness and support for veterans’ issues.

Summary

House Bill 1868 pertains to the issuance of special license plates for individuals associated with military service, specifically targeting unremarried surviving spouses of veterans. The bill outlines provisions for different types of veteran recognition through special license plates, including those for veterans of significant military campaigns such as World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and those involved in operations like Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. A nominal fee is established for receiving these special plates, which serves both as a means of recognition and a potential revenue source for the state's Department of Motor Vehicles.

Contention

While proponents of HB1868 argue that providing special license plates to unremarried surviving spouses is an important step in recognizing the sacrifices made by families of veterans, there may be points of contention regarding the implications of issuing these plates. Some stakeholders may question the allocation of state resources involved in producing these special plates, including operational costs linked to processing applications and issuing plates. Additionally, there may be debates about the broader implications of how military recognition is integrated into state identity and policies, and whether there are sufficient measures in place for other forms of veteran support that may need prioritization.