HOUSE BILL 164

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2009

INTRODUCED BY

Richard J. Berry

AN ACT

RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLES; PROVIDING FOR SPECIAL REGISTRATION PLATES FOR SURVIVING SPOUSES OR PARENTS OF SERVICE MEMBERS KILLED IN AN ARMED CONFLICT WITH AN ENEMY OF THE UNITED STATES; REQUIRING SUBMISSION OF PROOF; PROVIDING A PENALTY.

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

     Section 1. A new section of the Motor Vehicle Code is enacted to read:

     "[NEW MATERIAL] REGISTRATION PLATES--GOLD STAR FAMILIES--SUBMISSION OF PROOF--PENALTY.--

          A. The division shall issue distinctive registration plates to the surviving mother, father, stepparent or spouse of a service member killed in an armed conflict with an enemy of the United States upon the submission by the person of proof satisfactory to the division that the person's son, daughter, stepchild or spouse was a service member killed in an armed conflict with an enemy of the United States.

          B. No fee, including the regular registration fee applicable to the passenger motor vehicle, if any, shall be collected for issuance of a special registration plate pursuant to this section.

          C. The special registration plate issued pursuant to this section shall be known as the "gold star families" special registration plate.

          D. The division, with the advice and consultation of the gold star mothers, shall determine the color and design of the gold star families registration plate and provide for its issuance.

          E. No person shall falsely claim to be a surviving mother, father, stepparent or spouse of a service member killed in an armed conflict with an enemy of the United States so as to be eligible to be issued special registration plates pursuant to this section.

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

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