An Act Honoring Gold Star Families through Special Registration Plates
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, it is important to recognize that the families who have borne the solemn burden of losing a loved one in the cause of freedom rightfully hold a special place among us; and
Whereas, the gold star family registration plates established in this legislation will help to show the gratitude and sympathy of the people of the State of Maine as the families continue to live their lives in quiet dignity; and
Whereas, recognizing the service of men and women in defense of their nation is long overdue; and
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,
Sec. 1. 29-A MRSA §524-B is enacted to read:
§ 524-B. Gold star family registration plates
(1) An international terrorist attack against the United States or a foreign nation friendly to the United States, recognized as such an attack by the United States Secretary of Defense; or
(2) Military operations while serving outside the United States, including the commonwealths, territories and possessions of the United States, as a part of a peacekeeping force.
The Secretary of State may issue gold star family registration plates for display only on an automobile or pickup truck. An applicant may be issued gold star family registration plates for no more than one vehicle.
A person who does not operate a motor vehicle or register a motor vehicle and who otherwise qualifies for the issuance of gold star family registration plates may apply to the Secretary of State for a special single plate recognizing that award. The Secretary of State shall design and identify these special single plates for recognition purposes only. Special single plates may not be attached to a motor vehicle. Only one special single plate may be issued to each recipient at no fee.
The Secretary of State shall begin issuing gold star family registration plates in accordance with this section no later than October 1, 2011.
Sec. 2. Donations for gold star family registration plates. Any donations from any public or private source received by the Department of the Secretary of State for gold star family registration plates must be deposited into the Specialty License Plate Fund established in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 29-A, section 469.
Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.