Relating to air medal special registration plates, and providing fees

This bill authorizes the department of transportation (DOT) to issue special registration plates bearing an air medal distinguishing processed emblem designed by the DOT in consultation with the adjutant general. The processed emblem must include a representation of the air medal. The air medal was established in 1942 and is awarded for single acts of heroism or meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight. A person who was awarded the air medal may apply to the DOT and present satisfactory proof of the award to order the plates. Under current law, the fee for the issuance of special registration plates with a processed emblem is $25 which is in addition to the regular annual registration fee. The bill provides that a person who is approved for the air medal plates must be issued one set of plates at no charge. The bill requires the fees collected by the DOT for the air medal plates to be paid monthly to the treasurer of state and deposited in the road use tax fund. The treasurer of state must credit monthly from the statutory allocations fund to the veterans license fee fund the amount of special fees for air medal plates collected in the previous month. The bill authorizes the surviving spouse of a person who was issued air medal plates to continue to use or apply for and use the plates subject to certain conditions.