Authorizes the issuance of "Blue Star Mother" and "Blue Star Family" distinctive license plates for parents and family members of active duty service members; establishes the "blue star mothers and families support fund".
Summary
This bill authorizes the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles to issue distinctive "Blue Star Mother" and "Blue Star Family" license plates to state residents whose child, spouse, parent, sibling, or grandchild is actively serving in the U.S. armed forces. Applicants would pay the regular registration fee plus a $25 annual service charge for the special plate.
The bill also creates the "Blue Star Mothers and Families Support Fund" in the state finance law. Revenue from the special plate surcharge, along with any other appropriations, gifts, grants, or transfers, would be deposited into the fund and expended by the New York State Division of Veterans' Affairs to support programs and organizations serving parents and family members of active duty service members. The bill includes a standard special-plate production mechanism requiring either 200 preorders or a $6,000 surety bond before the plates are designed and issued.
Impact
The bill would amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law to add a new special-plate category and amend the State Finance Law to establish a dedicated special revenue fund. It would create a new administrative and fiscal framework for collecting surcharge revenue, managing the fund, and directing expenditures through the Division of Veterans' Affairs. Affected parties include eligible military families, the DMV, the Division of Veterans' Affairs, and organizations that support families of active duty service members.
Sentiment
The available context suggests generally positive or supportive sentiment, as the bill is framed as a recognition and assistance measure for military families. The caption emphasizes support for Blue Star mothers and families, and there is no recorded committee debate or vote history indicating opposition or controversy. In the absence of transcripts or votes, the bill appears to be a straightforward commemorative and support-oriented proposal.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is the use of a $25 annual surcharge on a specialty license plate, which may raise questions about affordability, demand, and whether the revenue will be sufficient to justify production. Another possible issue is the bill's eligibility definition, which extends beyond mothers to spouses, parents, siblings, children, and grandparents of active duty service members, though the text does not show any recorded dispute over that scope. The special-plate bond and 200-order threshold could also be a practical hurdle if demand is low.
Same As
Authorizes the issuance of "Blue Star Mother" and "Blue Star Family" distinctive license plates for parents and family members of active duty service members; establishes the "blue star mothers and families support fund".