SENATE BILL 492

48th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2008

INTRODUCED BY

Michael S. Sanchez

AN ACT

RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLES; CLARIFYING THAT A SPECIAL REGISTRATION PLATE FOR THE RECIPIENT OF THE PURPLE HEART SHALL BE DISTINCTIVE.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     Section 1. Section 66-3-414 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1987, Chapter 23, Section 1, as amended) is amended to read:

     "66-3-414. SPECIAL REGISTRATION PLATES FOR PURPLE HEART VETERANS.--

          A. The division shall issue special registration plates for up to two vehicles to any person who is a veteran and a bona fide purple heart medal recipient and who submits proof satisfactory to the division that [he] the person has been awarded that medal. The plates shall have a distinctive design, different from the plates issued pursuant to Section 66-3-419 NMSA 1978, that emphasizes that the veteran is a purple heart recipient. No fee, including the regular registration fee applicable to the passenger motor vehicle, if any, shall be collected for the issuance of the special registration plates pursuant to this section. A person who is eligible for special registration plates pursuant to this section and also eligible for one or more special registration plates pursuant to Sections 66-3-406, 66-3-409, 66-3-411 and 66-3-412 NMSA 1978 shall be issued special registration plates pursuant to only one of those sections, the choice of which shall be made by the veteran.

          B. No person shall falsely [represent himself to be] make any representation as being a purple heart veteran so as to be eligible to be issued special plates pursuant to this section when [he] the person in fact is not a purple heart veteran.

          C. Any person who violates the provisions of Subsection B of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor."

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