Bills › 91st General Assembly
Relating to persons eligible for special registration plates with a veteran processed emblem
Sponsored by the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Rep. Matthew Rinker (R)
Topics:TransportationVeterans & military
Same legislation: HF 292
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedFebruary 10, 2025
- Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 11, 2025
- Done: House committeeFebruary 26, 2025
- Done: Passes the HouseMarch 17, 202596–0
- Done: Senate committeeFebruary 17, 2026
- Stopped: Passes the SenateDied when the General Assembly ended
- Next: To the Governor
- Next: Signed into law
Died when the session ended The 2026 session adjourned on May 3, 2026, the General Assembly’s last regular session. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died. What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
AI summary People who served in the Iowa National Guard or the U.S. reserve forces can now get special license plates with a veteran emblem. Under the current rules, these service members had to meet certain requirements regarding their years of service or time on active duty. This change allows anyone from these groups who was honorably discharged to qualify, regardless of how long they served.1
Read the official explanation
Under current law, the department of transportation (DOT) is authorized to issue special registration plates with a distinguishing processed emblem depicting the word “veteran” below an image of the American flag to a motor vehicle owner who served in the armed forces of the United States and was discharged under honorable conditions.31), an application for special plates with a veteran processed emblem must be submitted to the commission of veterans affairs on a form prescribed by the DOT. The commission of veterans affairs must determine whether the applicant is a veteran and, if so, certify this fact on the application form. This bill makes persons who served in the reserve forces of the United States or the Iowa national guard, regardless of the number of years of service, and who were discharged under honorable conditions eligible to receive special registration plates with a veteran processed emblem. Under current law, “veteran”, when used in Code chapter 35 (veterans affairs), and in numerous other provisions by reference, includes former members of the reserve forces of the United States or the Iowa national guard who served at least 20 years and who were discharged under honorable conditions; members of the reserve forces of the United States or the Iowa national guard who were activated for federal duty, other than training, for a minimum aggregate of 90 days, and were discharged under honorable conditions or were retired in accordance with federal law; and members of the reserve forces of the United States or the Iowa national guard who have served at least 20 years and who continue to serve.
Why it matters. People who served in the Iowa National Guard or the United States reserve forces and received an honorable discharge would become eligible to receive special registration plates featuring a veteran emblem. This change applies regardless of how many years the individual served.2
Senate subcommittee
Named January 26, 2026. On February 11, 2026 it recommended amendment and passage.
Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part
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91st General Assembly