HB554 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Donna GivensRepresentative

Republican

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

Motor vehicle registration; authorize a distinctive license plate for military combat action; authorize a criminal penalty for falsely obtaining the license plate

Summary

HB554 would create a new Combat Action distinctive license plate for Alabama veterans who earned specific combat awards, with eligibility rules and penalties for fraud.

What This Bill Does

It establishes a new license plate category for motor vehicle owners who served in combat action and received specified medals or badges. Applicants must provide proof of eligibility (such as DD Form 214 or medal certificates) to the county license plate issuing official; plates are issued like other distinctive plates and used on privately owned passenger vehicles. The plate would require a $3 additional fee per plate, plus regular license fees, and would display a Combat Veteran designation; it cannot be personalized and is not transferable. A criminal penalty (Class C misdemeanor) would apply to anyone who falsely obtains or certifies someone to obtain the plate. The act takes effect on October 1, 2025.

Who It Affects

• Military veterans who served in active combat and earned a qualifying medal or badge (e.g., Combat Action Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge, Combat Action Badge, Combat Medical Badge, Combat Action Medal, or Air Force Combat Action Medal) and would like to display the plate on their private passenger vehicle.
• County probate judges or other license plate issuing officials and the Alabama Department of Revenue, who would verify eligibility, issue the plates, and collect the standard license fees plus the $3 plate fee.

Key Provisions

• Creates a new Combat Action distinctive license plate category for eligible service members who earned specified combat awards.
• Requires proof of eligibility (DD-214 stating combat service and awards, medal certificate, or the combat action ribbon/badge) and authorizes issuance through the county license plate issuing official in the member's county of residence.
• Plates are issued like other distinctive plates, are non-personalized, and are not transferable between owners; they are for private passenger vehicles only.
• Imposes an additional $3 fee per plate issued (plus regular license fees) and requires payment of the regular fees in the issued year; subsequent plates also incur the $3 fee.
• Design specifics include a designated emblem for the action and a 'COMBAT VETERAN' designation; placement is described and the design may include DV considerations where applicable.
• Allows the Department of Revenue to adopt rules to administer the section and sets an effective date of October 1, 2025.
• Creates a Class C misdemeanor for anyone who falsely obtains or certifies another person to obtain the combat action distinctive license plate.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Motor Vehicles & Traffic