Inscriptions of certain veteran special plates amended.
Summary
HF3391 amends Minnesota’s veterans special license plate law to update and expand the inscriptions available on certain veteran plates. The bill revises Minnesota Statutes section 168.123, subdivision 2, to specify the required plate legends for a range of service categories and honors, including Vietnam veteran, Pearl Harbor survivor, World War II veteran, Korean veteran, combat wounded Purple Heart recipient, Persian Gulf War veteran, Laos War veteran, Iraq Campaign Medal recipient, Afghanistan Campaign Medal recipient, Global War on Terrorism recipients, Korean Defense Service Medal recipient, Bronze Star recipient, Silver Star recipient, and woman veteran. It also clarifies that some plates must include a facsimile or emblem of the relevant medal.
The bill also makes a targeted eligibility clarification for certain National Guard and reserve members who were ordered to federally funded state active service under Title 32 and received the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, making them eligible for the GWOT Veteran plate even if they do not otherwise qualify as a veteran under section 197.447. The changes are prospective and apply to plates issued on or after October 1, 2026.
Impact
HF3391 would amend Minnesota’s vehicle registration and veterans affairs statutes governing special license plates, specifically section 168.123. It affects the commissioner of veterans affairs and the commissioner of public safety by requiring updated plate designs and eligibility administration, and it expands or clarifies recognition for certain military service categories and medal recipients. The bill does not create a new program, but it changes the inscriptions and eligibility rules for existing veterans special plates.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee testimony or votes, the measure appears to be a straightforward, noncontroversial veterans recognition bill. Its tone is affirmative and commemorative, aimed at refining how Minnesota honors service members and veterans through specialty plates. No opposition or recorded debate is available in the provided materials.
Contention
The main substantive point that could draw attention is the eligibility expansion for National Guard and reserve members who served under Title 32 and received the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, because it extends plate eligibility beyond the usual veteran definition. Another possible point of discussion is the addition or revision of specific inscriptions and medal facsimiles, including the woman veteran plate and the Bronze Star and Silver Star designations, but no formal contention is documented in the provided record.