SB33 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Wes KitchensSenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

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

Summary

SB33 would expand Alabama's distinctive veteran license tag program to include more veterans, including those exposed to radiation and veterans from multiple conflicts, and adjust eligibility and fees for receiving the tag.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, SB33 would add new groups to be eligible for a distinctive veteran license tag, including radiation-exposed veterans and veterans from Vietnam, Korea, World War II, the Battle of the Bulge, Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan, Cold War veterans, and Operation Inherent Resolve. Applicants would apply through the judge of probate or the license commissioner, pay the regular vehicle tag fee, and also pay a small initial issuance fee (non-Vietnam tags $3; Vietnam tag $6 with $3 of that going to a veterans organization) and annual renewals for the Vietnam tag would include a $3 fee. The Vietnam-tag design would be handled by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Alabama State Council, while other tags would be designed by the Department of Veterans Affairs; eligibility would be certified by the VA. The tags would remain non-transferable and the act becomes effective October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Veterans who meet the expanded eligibility and want a distinctive tag; they would apply through the probate judge or license commissioner and pay applicable fees.
• Vietnam Veterans of America, Alabama State Council, and the Department of Veterans Affairs; they would participate in tag design, certify eligibility, and receive portions of the tag fees to support veterans programs.

Key Provisions

• Expands eligibility to receive the distinctive Alabama Veteran Tag to include radiation-exposed veterans and veterans from specified conflicts (Vietnam, Korean War, World War II, Battle of the Bulge, Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan, Cold War, and Inherent Resolve).
• Sets fee structure: initial issuance for non-Vietnam tags is $3; initial issuance for the Vietnam tag is $6 (with $3 of that amount distributed to a veterans organization); renewal for the Vietnam tag is $3 annually; other operational fees follow existing law.
• Design and eligibility: the Vietnam tag is designed by the Vietnam Veterans of America Alabama State Council, other tags by the Department of Veterans Affairs; an applicant for a Vietnam tag must be a Vietnam-era veteran and certified eligible by the VA; other tag applicants must be veterans of the appropriate conflict and certified eligible by the VA.
• Non-transferability and effective date: distinctive tags are not transferable between owners and remain subject to transfer rules; the act becomes effective on October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Taxation & Revenue