BILL ANALYSIS Ó
AB 244
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Date of Hearing: April 30, 2013
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS
Al Muratsuchi, Chair
AB 244 (Bonilla) - As Amended: April 24, 2013
SUBJECT : Vehicles: license plates: veterans
SUMMARY : Directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) to
apply for a veteran license plate. Specifically, this bill :
1)Directs CalVet to apply to the Department of Motor Vehicles
(DMV) to sponsor a veterans specialized license plate program,
and DMV shall issue license plates for that program if CalVet
meets the requirements prescribed in statute for all
specialized plate applicants.
2)Specifies that the design of the veterans specialized license
plate shall be identical to the design of the veterans special
interest license plate issued pursuant to Vehicle Code section
5068 on or before January 1, 2010.
3)Mandates that revenue derived from the additional fees
prescribed by Vehicle Code section 5157 for the issuance,
renewal, or transfer of the veterans specialized license
plates shall be deposited, after the department deducts its
administrative costs, in the Veterans Service Office Funds
(CVSO Fund), created by Section 972.2 of the Military and
Veterans Code.
EXISTING LAW :
1)Authorizes a state agency to apply to DMV to sponsor a special
interest license plate program and requires DMV to issue the
special interest license plates for the program if the state
agency complies with specified requirements.
2)Establishes DMV to, among other duties and responsibilities,
register vehicles for operation or non-operation in the state.
3)Allows any registered owner of a vehicle to apply to DMV for
veterans' organization license plates for his or her vehicle.
AB 244
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4)Establishes special interest license plate procedures for
veteran organizations and allows a veterans' organization to
apply for a veterans' special interest license plate, the
proceeds of which are deposited into the CVSO Fund, less the
DMV costs. Applicants for the special interest license plates
pay fees for issuance, renewal, or personalization that is
additional to those required for nonspecialized license
plates.
5)Requires money in the CVSO Fund to be available, upon
appropriation by the Legislature, to CalVet for allocation and
disbursement to counties for the operation of CVSOs.
6)Allows CalVet to modify the distinctive design or decal for
veterans' organization special interest license plates,
consistent with existing statutory design criteria.
FISCAL EFFECT : Unknown at this time.
COMMENTS : According to the author:
The enactment of AB 1908 in 2010 transitioned the old
Veterans license plate to a new Honoring Veterans license
plate. The Honoring Veterans plate can be purchased by any
member of the public who wishes to support veterans. This
change was made to increase the appeal of the plate to the
public and as a result, boost sales.
Prior to 2010, the Department only offered a Veterans
specialty license plate. Unfortunately, transitioning to
an Honoring Veterans plate has prevented veterans from
purchasing a license plate which specifically identifies
them as a veteran. Ever since this change occurred,
veterans and veterans groups have been asking for its
return.
Currently there are seven different license plate designs to
honor veterans and the Gold Star plate in honor of the sacrifice
of military families that have lost someone in military service.
Therefore a general "Veteran" plate is aligned with existing
policy and practice. However, the bill in its current form does
not require any documentation of veteran status, so it will not
necessarily accomplish the goal of specifically identifying
veterans.
AB 244
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CalVet must still apply for and meet the requirements of the
statutory process for the plate. If there is sufficient demand,
and the plate is issued, sale of these plates will provide
enhanced revenue for the County Veteran Service Office.
Previous Committee : Assembly Transportation
Ayes: 16 Noes: 0
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION :
Support
American Legion, Department of California
AMVETS, Department of California
California Association of County Veterans Service Officers
California Mental Health Directors Association
Rural County Representatives of California
VFW, Department of California
Vietnam Veterans of America, California State Council
Opposition
None on File.
Analysis Prepared by : John Spangler / V. A. / (916) 319-3550