House Bill 131 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jeana RossRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Veteran license tags; certain veterans exposed to radiation added to those eligible for distinctive tag

Summary

HB131 would broaden which Alabama veterans qualify for a distinctive veteran license tag tied to radiation exposure and certain wars, with new fees and funding for Vietnam-era veterans.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, the bill expands eligibility for the distinctive Alabama Veteran Tag to include veterans exposed to dangerous radiation and veterans from a list of conflicts. Eligible veterans would apply at a judge of probate or license commissioner, follow vehicle registration rules, and pay the standard tag fee plus a small extra fee. For the Vietnam veteran tag, an initial $6 is charged (instead of $3), with $3 distributed to the Vietnam Veterans of America Alabama State Council to assist Vietnam veterans, and a $3 annual renewal fee dedicated to that group.

Who It Affects

• Group 1: Alabama veterans who meet the expanded radiation exposure criteria or the listed conflict criteria would be able to receive a distinctive veteran tag by applying and paying the applicable fees.
• Group 2: Vietnam veterans and the Vietnam Veterans of America Alabama State Council would receive funding from the tag fees to support Vietnam veterans.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 32-6-350 to expand eligibility for the distinctive tag to veterans exposed to dangerous radiation and to include veterans from Vietnam, Korea, World War II, the Battle of the Bulge, Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), Cold War veterans, and Operation Inherent Resolve, with specific qualification criteria.
• Tags are issued in the same manner as other distinctive tags and remain non-transferable; issuance follows the existing process and compliance requirements.
• Initial issuance fees: $3 for standard tags; $6 for a Vietnam veteran tag, with $3 of the $6 distributed to the Vietnam Veterans of America Alabama State Council to assist Vietnam veterans; renewal fees for the Vietnam tag are $3 annually.
• Vietnam-tag applicants must be Vietnam era veterans and certified by the Vietnam Veterans Affairs office; other tags require certification by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Tag design for Vietnam veterans and other veteran tags will be handled by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Alabama State Council, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, subject to approval and applicable laws.
• Effective date: October 1, 2026.

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

Subjects

Taxation & Revenue