SB447 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tom Whatley

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Motor vehicles, distinctive license tags, Legion of Valor member authorized to receive license tag without cost, Secs. 32-6-250, 32-6-251 am'd.

Summary

SB447 would expand Alabama's free distinctive license plate eligibility to include Legion of Valor members, in addition to existing groups.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends sections of the code to allow Legion of Valor members who have proof of certain military honors (Medal of Honor, Army Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross) or former POW status to receive a free distinctive license plate for their private vehicle. The plates are free for most categories, but Purple Heart recipients still must pay ad valorem taxes on their vehicles. A person can obtain additional plates for other vehicles only by paying applicable license taxes and fees. The plate design will indicate MOH, PHM, LOV, or POW as appropriate, under a design prescribed by a committee. The act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Legion of Valor members in Alabama who have proof of the specified awards or POW status, eligible to receive a free distinctive license plate for their private vehicle.
• Existing eligible groups (Medal of Honor recipients or widows, Purple Heart recipients, and former prisoners of war) whose current eligibility is maintained and potentially expanded by adding Legion of Valor membership.

Key Provisions

• Adds Legion of Valor members with proof of the Medal of Honor, Army Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross, or proof of former POW status, to the list of people who can receive a free distinctive license plate.
• Maintains that Purple Heart recipients pay ad valorem taxes on their vehicles, while other eligible groups receive the plate free of fee and tax.
• Allows eligible individuals to receive additional distinctive plates for more than one vehicle only if they pay all license taxes and registration fees for those vehicles.
• Designates plates with MOH, PHM, LOV, or POW lettering and assigns a distinct color scheme/design, to be determined by a committee appointed by the chief legislative sponsors.
• Effective date: the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Motor Vehicles