House Bill 107 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Donna GivensRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Motor vehicle registration; military combat action license plate, criminal penalty for falsely obtaining, established

Summary

HB107 would create a new 'Combat Veteran' distinctive license plate for Alabama veterans who earned specific combat decorations, with eligibility proof, a small per-plate fee, and penalties for fraud, effective January 1, 2027.

What This Bill Does

It establishes a new license plate category for service members who served in a combat component and received designated awards. Eligible veterans can apply to the county license plate issuing official by showing approved proof and paying the regular plate fee plus a $3 per-plate surcharge; the plate is issued for privately owned, personally registered passenger vehicles and is not personalized. The plate design will feature emblems tied to the veteran’s award and the words 'COMBAT VETERAN,' and it cannot be transferred or personalized. The law also creates a Class C misdemeanor penalty for anyone who falsely obtains or certifies another person to obtain the plate, with the measure becoming effective January 1, 2027.

Who It Affects

• Veterans who earned Combat Action Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge, Combat Action Badge, Combat Medical Badge, Combat Action Medal, or Air Force Combat Action Medal would be eligible to apply for and display the Combat Action distinctive license plate on their privately owned passenger vehicle, upon providing approved proof and paying applicable fees.
• County license plate issuing officials (and the Alabama Department of Revenue) who process applications, verify eligibility, collect fees, enforce non-personalization and non-transferability, and address fraud penalties.

Key Provisions

• Creates a Combat Action distinctive license plate category for eligible service members who received specified combat awards.
• Allows proof of eligibility to include DD Form 214, a medal/ribbon certificate, or the actual medal/ribbon/Badge.
• Requires payment of the regular license plate fee plus $3 per plate (and $3 for each additional plate); regular fee applies in decal years.
• Plates may be used only on privately owned, passenger vehicles registered in the applicant's name; not personalized and not transferable between owners.
• Plate designs may reflect the veteran's award (e.g., Marine Corps/Navy/Coast Guard emblems, Army Combat Action/Infantry Badges, Air Force/Space Force emblems) and must display 'COMBAT VETERAN' at the bottom; placement is specified relative to the plate number.
• Transfers of these plates are governed by existing transfer rules for distinctive plates; they cannot be traded to others.
• Falsely obtaining or certifying someone to obtain the plate is a Class C misdemeanor.
• Effective date of the act is January 1, 2027.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 11, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Motor Vehicles & Traffic