HB604 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jeana RossRepresentative

Republican

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

Veteran license tags; certain veterans exposed to radiation added to those who may receive distinctive tag

Summary

Expands eligibility for Alabama's distinctive veteran license tag to include more radiation-exposed and conflict-era veterans, with updated fee and design rules.

What This Bill Does

The bill broadens who can get a distinctive veteran license tag by adding more groups of veterans (radiation-exposed individuals and veterans from Vietnam, Korea, World War II, the Battle of the Bulge, Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Iraq Freedom, Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, the Cold War era, and Operation Inherent Resolve). It sets specific fees: a $3 initial issuance fee for most tags (Vietnam tag initial issuance is $6, with $3 going to the Vietnam Veterans of America Alabama State Council) and a $3 renewal fee for the Vietnam tag; other fees remain aligned with existing vehicle license laws. The tags remain non-transferable and are designed and issued under the oversight of designated organizations (Vietnam tag by the Vietnam Veterans of America Alabama State Council; other tags by the Department of Veterans Affairs, subject to Revenue Department approval). The act takes effect October 1, 2025.

Who It Affects

• Alabama residents who are eligible veterans, who may apply to receive a distinctive veteran license tag for their vehicle.
• Vietnam veterans and the other listed veteran groups (as now eligible) who may qualify for a distinctive tag after certification by the appropriate veterans organizations or the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• The Vietnam Veterans of America, Alabama State Council, which would receive part of the funding from initial and renewal fees, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, which handles eligibility certification and tag administration.
• County veteran affairs officers and the Commissioner of Revenue, who participate in certification, design approval, and tag issuance processes.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 32-6-350 to expand the list of eligible veterans who may receive a distinctive license tag, adding radiation-exposed veterans and a comprehensive set of conflict-era veterans.
• Sets the fee structure: a $3 initial issuance fee for most tags (Vietnam tag initial issuance is $6 with $3 distributed to the Vietnam Veterans of America Alabama State Council) and a $3 renewal fee for the Vietnam tag; regular license fees still apply for the base tag.
• Specifies that the Vietnam tag is designed by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc., Alabama State Council, and other distinctive tags are designed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, with final approval by the Commissioner of Revenue.
• Maintains that distinctive tags are non-transferable and follow the same transfer rules as other distinctive tags; the act includes the funding and administrative setup for the new programs.
• Effective date: October 1, 2025.

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

Subjects

Taxation & Revenue