Motor vehicles; additional military medal awards eligible for special veteran license plates; provide
Summary
HB 1191 amends Georgia’s special license plate laws for veterans and military service members. First, it expands the definition of “military medal award” for the existing special veteran license plate program to include several additional honors, including the Navy Corps Medal, Marine Corps Medal, Airman’s Medal, and Coast Guard Medal. This change broadens eligibility for veterans who have received those awards to obtain the related special plate.
The bill also creates a new specialty license plate for members of the United States Navy submarine service, including retired members. The plate would be available for private passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles used for personal transportation. Retired submarine service members would receive a plate marked with the word “RETIRED” in place of the county name, and the plate may be transferred between vehicles under existing transfer rules. Applicants must pay the required fee, including a $25 manufacturing fee, and the Commissioner of Motor Vehicle Services is authorized to adopt rules to administer the program. The act takes effect January 1, 2027.
Impact
HB 1191 would amend Article 3 of Chapter 2 of Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, specifically Code Section 40-2-85.1 and a new Code Section 40-2-85.5. It expands the list of qualifying military decorations for veteran license plates and adds a new category of specialty plate for Navy submarine service members and retirees. The bill affects the Georgia Department of Revenue/commissioner’s licensing administration, special plate issuance, and related vehicle registration procedures, while creating a new fee-supported plate option for eligible applicants.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been received very favorably. In the House, it passed by a unanimous 168-0 vote, indicating broad bipartisan support and little visible opposition. The lack of committee transcript discussion suggests the measure was likely viewed as a straightforward recognition bill honoring military service rather than a controversial policy change.
Contention
There is little apparent contention in the available record. The main policy choices are administrative and symbolic: which additional medals should qualify for the veteran plate program, and whether to create a separate plate for Navy submarine service members and retirees. Any potential concerns would likely center on the scope of eligibility, the use of specialty plate fees, and the administrative burden on the state, but no recorded objections or divided votes appear in the provided materials.