New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A09664

Introduced
1/21/26  

Caption

Relates to creating a distinctive plate for combat veterans having served in the navy, marine corps, air force or coast guard.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would require the New York Department of Motor Vehicles to develop and issue these special license plates, subject to certain conditions. Specifically, it states that at least 200 orders for the plates must be collected before design and production commence, which ensures that the initiative has sufficient interest and will be financially viable. The plates will carry a one-time service charge of ten dollars on top of the regular registration fee. This approach is designed to mitigate the cost implications for the state while providing a meaningful service to veterans.

Summary

Bill A09664 proposes an amendment to the vehicle and traffic law, specifically aimed at creating distinctive license plates for combat veterans who have served in the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard. The bill outlines that any combat veteran or their spouse can request a distinctive plate that identifies their service branch, including options for 'Air Force Combat Veteran', 'Navy Combat Veteran', 'Marine Combat Veteran', or 'Coast Guard Combat Veteran'. This initiative is intended to honor and recognize the service of military personnel by providing them with a symbol of their sacrifices and achievements.

Conclusion

Overall, A09664 presents a legislative effort to honor combat veterans through the creation of personalized vehicle registration options. The passage of this bill reflects an ongoing commitment to recognizing the sacrifices made by service members while also navigating logistical and financial considerations inherent in such initiatives.

Contention

Notable aspects of the bill include provisions ensuring that spouses of combat veterans are only eligible for a distinctive plate if no plate has been issued to the veteran themselves. This introduces a point of contention as it might limit options for families of veterans. Additionally, the requirement of a surety bond for the initial production costs could lead to discussions about financial management within the DMV department and the practicality of ensuring that these plates can be produced affordably without significant state expenditure.

Companion Bills

NY S01246

Same As Relates to creating a distinctive plate for combat veterans having served in the navy, marine corps, air force or coast guard.

Previously Filed As

NY S01246

Relates to creating a distinctive plate for combat veterans having served in the navy, marine corps, air force or coast guard.

NY A05951

Relates to creating a distinctive plate for combat veterans having served in the navy, marine corps, air force or coast guard.

NY A00291

Includes the Space Force as being members of the armed forces or veterans eligible for certain credits and benefits that are available to other active and veteran members of the armed forces.

NY S00243

Includes the Space Force as being members of the armed forces or veterans eligible for certain credits and benefits that are available to other active and veteran members of the armed forces.

NY HB554

Motor vehicle registration; authorize a distinctive license plate for military combat action; authorize a criminal penalty for falsely obtaining the license plate

NY SF395

Special veterans' license plates creation for each branch of the armed forces

NY HB06734

An Act Reducing For Veterans And Members Of The Armed Forces The Fee For Certain Specialty Motor Vehicle Number Plates To Not More Than The Cost To Make Such Plates.

NY SB76

License Plates; specialty license plate benefitting the Georgia Veterans Service Foundation; establish

NY HF2069

Special veterans' license plates created for each branch of the armed forces.

NY S0625

Adds “space force” to the branches of the military included in various sections of general law regarding the veterans home, veterans cemetery and the power of armed forces officers to take acknowledgements.

Similar Bills

MS SB2834

Distinctive motor vehicle license tag; authorize issuance for various purposes.

MS HB920

Distinctive motor vehicle license tag; authorize for supporters of various organizations.

MS HB1364

Distinctive motor vehicle license tag; revise criteria regarding issuance to supporters of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

MS HB1573

Distinctive motor vehicle license tag; revise certain provisions regarding tag authorized for supporters of Wildlife Mississippi.

MS HB804

Distinctive motor vehicle license tag; reauthorize issuance to supporters of Pascagoula High School.

MS HB524

Distinctive motor vehicle license tag; authorize issuance to supporters of Mississippi Land Bank.

MS SB2883

Distinctive motor vehicle license tag; reauthorize for Wildlife Mississippi.

MS HB686

Distinctive motor vehicle license tag; reauthorize issuance to supporters of Ronald McDonald House of Charities of Mississippi, Inc.