SB399 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tom Whatley

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2013

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

Legion of Valor members with proof of certain military awards would be eligible for a free distinctive license plate in Alabama.

What This Bill Does

It adds Legion of Valor members with proof of awards (Medal of Honor, Army Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross) to be eligible for a free distinctive license plate. Existing free-plate categories remain, but Purple Heart recipients still pay ad valorem taxes. Additional plates for the same person on other vehicles would require paying all taxes and registration fees. The act becomes law three months after passage and sets design rules for LOV plates.

Who It Affects

• Legion of Valor members who can prove they have received the Medal of Honor, Army Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross, and who are residents of Alabama, would receive a free LOV plate for their private vehicle.
• Existing recipients of Medal of Honor, MOH widows, Purple Heart recipients, and former prisoners of war would continue to be eligible for their respective free plates; Purple Heart recipients would continue to pay ad valorem taxes.
• Owners who want additional plates beyond the first one would need to pay all applicable license taxes and fees for those additional vehicles.

Key Provisions

• Adds Legion of Valor members with proof of MOH, Army DSC, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross to the list of people eligible for a free distinctive license plate for private vehicles.
• Keeps the existing free-plate provision for Medal of Honor recipients, MOH widows, and former prisoners of war, and clarifies that Purple Heart recipients must pay ad valorem taxes; no fee or tax for LOV plates unless otherwise taxed like Purple Heart recipients.
• Allows eligible individuals to receive additional distinctive plates for other vehicles only after paying all license taxes and registration fees for those vehicles.
• Defines plate design: MOH, PHM, and LOV plates have distinct designs and color schemes, while POW plates may share the color scheme with other distinguished military tags; a committee will set the final design.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month following passage and 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