AN ACT to create and enact a new section to chapter 39-04 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to military sacrifice number plates; and to amend and reenact section 39-04-10.3 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to personalized plates.
Summary
HB 1432 creates a new “military sacrifice” license plate in North Dakota for immediate family members of certain service members who died outside a combat zone while serving honorably and without willful misconduct. The bill defines eligible family members to include a spouse, parent or step-parent, person who acted in loco parentis, sibling, child or step-child, and grandparent. The plates must display a distinctive emblem and the words “military sacrifice,” and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs may be asked to certify eligibility.
The bill also amends the state’s personalized plate law. It preserves the general rule allowing special personalized plates with up to seven characters for an additional fee, while clarifying that gold star, military sacrifice, and prisoner of war plates are exempt from the extra personalized-plate charge. It also retains existing rules on plate transfer, replacement vehicles, and the special plate options available for certain vehicles, trailers, and motorcycles.
Impact
HB 1432 adds a new category of special license plates to chapter 39-04 of the North Dakota Century Code and expands the state’s commemorative plate offerings for military families. It creates a new eligibility and certification process involving the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and limits issuance to passenger vehicles and trucks with a registered gross vehicle weight rating of 20,000 pounds or less. The bill also modifies section 39-04-10.3 to integrate military sacrifice plates into the state’s personalized/special plate fee structure, including an exemption from the additional personalized plate fee.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been broadly supported and noncontroversial. It passed the House 92-0 and the Senate 47-0, indicating unanimous approval in both chambers. The lack of recorded committee debate or dissent suggests the measure was viewed favorably as a recognition of military sacrifice and a modest administrative update to plate statutes.
Contention
There is little evidence of substantive contention in the available record. The main policy choices embedded in the bill are the scope of eligibility—limited to immediate family members of service members who died outside a combat zone while serving honorably—and the requirement that the death not involve willful misconduct. Any potential debate would likely center on how broadly to define eligible family members, how the Department of Veterans’ Affairs verifies eligibility, and whether the new plate should be treated like other commemorative plates for fee purposes, but no opposition is reflected in the votes or transcripts provided.