HF2069

HF2069 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Special veterans' license plates created for each branch of the armed forces.

Related bill: SF395

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The proposed law aims to create special license plates for veterans of each branch of the armed forces in Minnesota. This offers recognition and honor to veterans who have served in active duty, including those from allied nations.

Main Provisions

Eligibility Requirements: To obtain these special plates, applicants must be veterans as defined in Minnesota statutes but not eligible for existing veterans special plates. They must be registered owners of a passenger vehicle, recreational vehicle, one-ton pickup truck, or motorcycle.
Application Procedure: Applicants need to provide a certified copy of their discharge papers. If records are unavailable, the commissioner of veterans affairs can certify eligibility.
Design and Issuance: A special veteran's plate will feature the word "VETERAN" and a branch-specific emblem. The commissioner of public safety, in consultation with the commissioner of veterans affairs, will oversee design approval, while consultation with veterans’ organizations will help tailor these designs.
Motorcycle Plates: Only one special plate will be issued per motorcycle, matching regular motorcycle plate dimensions.
Transfer of Plates: Special plates can be transferred to another qualified vehicle owned by the same individual, with a small transfer fee.
Fees: Fees collected will support the driver and vehicle services operating account, with plates issued free of charge beyond initial fees.
Production Costs: Funds from the "Support Our Troops" account may be transferred to cover production costs, subject to an agreed payment schedule.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a new category of special veterans plates distinct from existing plates, extending them specifically across different branches of the armed forces. It also establishes specific procedural requirements and fee structures related to their issuance and transfer.

Relevant Terms

veterans license plates, armed forces, passenger vehicle, motorcycle plate, discharge papers, veterans organizations, "Support Our Troops" account, vehicle registration, Minnesota statutes, special emblem, transfer fee.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
March 09, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Transportation Finance and Policy

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill makes an exception to section 168.1293 for the issuance of special veterans plates.",
      "modified": [
        "Allows issuance of special veterans plates under new provisions."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "168.1293"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill defines a veteran in reference to section 197.447 for the purpose of issuing special plates.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "197.447"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill references existing criteria for veterans special plates under section 168.123, subdivision 2.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "168.123, subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines passenger automobile based on section 168.002, subdivision 24.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "168.002, subdivision 24"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines recreational vehicle based on section 168.002, subdivision 27.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "168.002, subdivision 27"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines one-ton pickup truck based on section 168.002, subdivision 21b.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "168.002, subdivision 21b"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines motorcycle based on section 168.002, subdivision 19.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "168.002, subdivision 19"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines the fee amount for special plates as specified in section 168.12, subdivision 5.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "168.12, subdivision 5"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Requires the payment of registration tax under section 168.013.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "168.013"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Directs fees to be deposited in the driver and vehicle services operating account as per section 299A.705.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "299A.705"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Allows transfer of money from the Support Our Troops account under section 190.19, subdivision 2a.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "190.19, subdivision 2a"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Authorizes use of funds for license plate production as per section 299A.705, subdivision 1.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "299A.705, subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines uniformed services under federal law for the special plates.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "United States Code title 52, section 20310"
  }
]