SPECIALTY PLATE: U.S. ARMY AIRBORNE S.B. 1093 (S-1):
ANALYSIS AS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
[Please see the PDF version of this analysis, if available, to view this image.]
Senate Bill 1093 (Substitute S-1 as reported) (as passed by the Senate)
Sponsor: Senator Bruce Patterson
Committee: Transportation
Date Completed: 7-15-10
RATIONALE
The Michigan Vehicle Code provides for a number of special license plates honoring military service members, veterans of declared wars or conflicts, veterans who were wounded in combat, and former prisoners of war, among others. Each special plate is similar in design to the standard Michigan plate, but with a designation indicating the nature of the individual's military service. Special registration plates currently are available for veterans who served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines, as well as current or former National Guard and reserve military service members. It has been suggested that a similar plate be made available to recognize members of the Army Airborne.
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to permit a person who was or is a member of the Army Airborne to apply to the Secretary of State (SOS) for a special registration plate.
The plate would have to display an appropriate vignette preceding the registration numbers and have the words "Army Airborne" inscribed beneath the numbers.
The Code provides for special registration plates for a person who was or is a member of the National Guard or the military reserve. In addition, a person who was a member of any branch of the armed services who has retired or been granted an honorable discharge may apply to the SOS for a special registration plate.
The application must be on a form prescribed by the SOS, and must be accompanied by a $5 service fee and proof that the applicant is or was a member of the National Guard, the military reserve, or any branch of the armed services. A person who is issued a special registration plate also must be assessed the applicable registration fee.
Under the bill, those provisions also would apply to a current or former member of the Army Airborne.
MCL 257.803i
ARGUMENTS
(Please note: The arguments contained in this analysis originate from sources outside the Senate Fiscal Agency. The Senate Fiscal Agency neither supports nor opposes legislation.)
Supporting Argument
The special license plates for military service members are an important way for the State to honor the sacrifices that those men and women have made in service to their country. While the Vehicle Code provides for at least 26 different military service plates, no plate exists specifically for members of the Army Airborne. These officers are an elite group trained to respond to a crisis or deploy to a conflict zone anywhere in world within 18 hours. As paratroopers, Army Airborne units generally are among the first soldiers on the ground and sometimes must act without external support in uncertain and dangerous conditions. Because of the extraordinary risks that these soldiers take and their invaluable contribution to the nation's
security, a special license plate would be an appropriate way of honoring their service.
The proposed license plate would be similar to existing plates for military veterans, National Guard members, and reserve members, and therefore would not be likely to pose problems for law enforcement officers trying to identify Michigan plates.
Legislative Analyst: Curtis Walker
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Fiscal Analyst: Joe CarrascoAnalysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent. sb1093/0910