Provides that family members of paid professional firefighters who died in the line-of-duty may obtain a "Survivor of the Bravest" license plate; provides for the annual service charge collected to be deposited into the department of motor vehicles distinctive license plate development fund.
Summary
Bill S02261 amends the vehicle and traffic law to authorize the issuance of distinctive license plates for family members of paid professional firefighters who died in the line of duty. The plates will bear the inscription "Survivor of the Bravest" and will be available to spouses, registered domestic partners, parents, siblings, and children of the deceased firefighters. Applicants must provide proof of their relationship to the deceased firefighter and will be required to pay a regular registration fee along with an additional annual service charge of $25, which will support the Department of Motor Vehicles' distinctive plate development fund.
The bill also stipulates that the issuance of these plates will only proceed if at least 200 orders are received, which would waive the requirement for a surety bond. If fewer than 200 plates are sold within two years of availability, the Department of Motor Vehicles can recover against the bond for any shortfall. The bill aims to honor the sacrifice of firefighters and provide a means of remembrance for their families through these distinctive plates.
Impact
If enacted, this bill will create a new category of license plates specifically for the families of fallen firefighters, thereby modifying the existing vehicle and traffic law. It will establish a new process for application and issuance, along with associated fees that will contribute to the funding of the distinctive plate program. The bill also emphasizes the importance of community recognition for the sacrifices made by firefighters, potentially influencing public sentiment and support for fire service initiatives.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill S02261 appears to be overwhelmingly positive, as evidenced by unanimous support in committee and floor votes. The discussions indicate a strong recognition of the sacrifices made by firefighters and a desire to honor their families. The bill has received no opposition during its voting process, suggesting broad bipartisan support.
Contention
There are no notable points of contention regarding Bill S02261, as it has passed through the legislative process without opposition. The unanimous votes in both committee and floor sessions indicate that lawmakers across the board agree on the importance of recognizing the families of firefighters who have died in the line of duty. The only logistical concern mentioned relates to the requirement for a surety bond, which is mitigated by the provision for pre-orders.
Provides that family members of volunteer or paid professional firefighters who died in the line of duty may obtain a "Survivor of the Bravest" license plate; provides for the annual service charge collected to be deposited into the department of motor vehicles distinctive license plate development fund.
Provides distinctive license plates for the parents, spouses, children, step-children, siblings, step-siblings, and grandparents of police officers killed in the line of duty; eliminates the registration fee for family member distinctive license plates.
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".