HB442 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jack Williams

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Howard SanderfordAllen TreadawayLynn GreerApril WeaverEd HenryMark TuggleAllen Farley

Session

Regular Session 2012

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

HB442 would allow Legion of Valor members to receive a free distinctive license plate for their private vehicles, similar to Medal of Honor recipients and former POWs.

What This Bill Does

It amends Alabama law to add Legion of Valor members as eligible for a free distinctive license plate, with proof of the Legion of Valor award or other qualifying honors (Medal of Honor, Army Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Air Force Cross) or former POW status. The plate remains free of fee or tax for most recipients, except Purple Heart recipients must pay ad valorem taxes. A person may receive additional distinctive plates if they qualify for other categories and pay the applicable taxes and fees for the extra vehicles. Plates will be designated with LOV (and other designations as applicable) and have a distinct color scheme and design approved by a committee.

Who It Affects

• Legion of Valor members in Alabama who can provide proof of the relevant award(s) or POW status and own a private vehicle, making them eligible for a free LOV plate.
• Other current eligible groups (Medal of Honor recipients, MOH widows, Purple Heart recipients, and former prisoners of war) who already qualify for free plates; the bill expands eligibility to include Legion of Valor members but does not remove existing benefits.

Key Provisions

• Adds Legion of Valor members with proof of Medal of Honor, Army Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross, or proof of former prisoner of war, to be eligible for a free distinctive license plate for a private motor vehicle.
• Keeps the rule that there is no fee or tax for the license plate, except that Purple Heart recipients must pay ad valorem taxes on vehicles for which the plates are issued.
• Allows eligible individuals to receive additional distinctive plates for extra vehicles if they pay all applicable license taxes and registration fees for those vehicles.
• Designates the plates with LOV (Legion of Valor) and requires a distinct color scheme and design prescribed by a committee.
• Takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Motor Vehicles