Bill > H2963

This bill authorizes the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to issue distinctive registration plates for private passenger vehicles in Massachusetts to honor "Massachusetts Fallen Heroes," which refers to men and women from the Commonwealth who died while serving in the United States armed forces. These plates will feature a warrior's silhouette, a soldier's cross with a gold star, and the words "Honor Their Sacrifice." There will be an additional fee of at least $40 for these plates, with one plate potentially issued free to the immediate family of a service member killed in action or who died while serving. A portion of the fees collected, after covering the costs of issuing the plates, will be distributed to specific funds: 75% to the Massachusetts Iraq and Afghanistan Fallen Heroes Memorial Fund, Inc. for memorial construction and veteran programs; 12.5% to the Massachusetts Fallen Heroes and Veterans Scholarship Fund for educational assistance to veterans and Gold Star families; and 12.5% to the Veterans Edge Innovation Program to support veterans.