SF977

SF977 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Fee exemption provision for motor vehicles bearing Purple Heart medal special plates

AI Generated Summary

The legislative bill S.F. No. 977 introduced in Minnesota proposes to exempt motor vehicles with Purple Heart medal special plates from certain fees. It includes amendments affecting personalized plates and the transfer of these special plates between vehicles. The bill specifies that Purple Heart recipients, veterans, and other special recipients can have personalized versions of their special plates, which are issued for free and are eligible for free replacement if damaged.

Highlights include: - Issuing personalized special plates for veterans, including Purple Heart and Medal of Honor recipients. - A one-time fee of $100 for personalized plates, with exemptions for certain veterans' plates regarding replacements. - Ability to retain the same personalized or special license plates annually if vehicle registration remains active. - Designs for veterans' plates will represent specific service distinctions like Vietnam Veteran, Pearl Harbor Survivor, etc. - Purple Heart plates are issued and replaced for free and can be transferred to other qualifying vehicles owned by the recipient without a fee.

The bill also sets provisions for the discontinuation of certain special plates if they are under-utilized, ensuring resources are effectively used and maintained for specialty plates in Minnesota.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
February 02, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
February 02, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Referred to	Transportation

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies the personalized plate rules for veterans and special emblems like Purple Heart recipients."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill amends the section to allow personalized plates or special plates for various veteran categories, such as Purple Heart Medal and Prisoners of War.",
      "modified": [
        "Allows transfer of personalized or special plates to other vehicles owned by the applicant."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "168.12"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Adds new design requirements for plates issued to recipients of specific military awards and honors."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies design specifications for veterans special plates under section 168.123.",
      "modified": [
        "Introduces specific inscriptions and emblems for numerous military honors, such as the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "168.123"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill revises the issuance of plates for medal of honor recipients.",
      "modified": [
        "Elaborates who may apply for and receive these plates, and under what conditions."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "168.124"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Excludes specific plates, such as Purple Heart and prisoners of war plates, from the discontinuance process."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This amends subsection 5 of section 168.1293 regarding the discontinuance of special plates.",
      "modified": [
        "Refines the criteria under which special plates are discontinued when numbers fall below thresholds."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "168.1293"
  }
]