Sen. Gaston Joins Colleagues in Passage Of Bill To Expand Eligibility For Veterans’ Specialty License Plates And Driver’s Licenses
Today, state Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport) joined colleagues in the passage of a bill which would expand the eligibility for veterans’ specialty license plates and driver’s licenses to include former members of the National Guard and former reservists who do not qualify for federal veterans’ benefits.
“Expanding eligibility for our Veterans’ is long overdue,” said Sen. Gaston. “All Veterans, no matter what branch of service, deserve to have the same recognition and benefits. Eligible former reservists, former members of the National Guard, or a surviving spouse, have earned the right to get a veteran license plate and registration certificate.”
This bill authorizes an eligible former reservist, former member of the National Guard or a surviving spouse to get a veteran license plate and registration certificate. The bill also authorizes an eligible former reservist or former member of the National Guard to receive a veteran designation on their driver’s license or identification card.
Under the bill, these benefits are available to any person part of the United States Army Reserve, Army National Guard, Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, Air Force Reserve, or Air National Guard that was discharged honorably, under honorable conditions, or with an “other than honorable” discharge based on a qualifying condition.
The bill also establishes that receiving these benefits does not establish proof of eligibility for any other veterans’ benefit.