James Maroney

Sen. Maroney Joins Colleagues in Passage Of Bill To Expand Eligibility For Veterans’ Specialty License Plates And Driver’s Licenses

Today, Senate Vice Chair of the Veteran’s Committee, state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) 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.

“No matter the branch of service, women and men who have served to protect our rights all deserve the same recognition and benefits,” said Sen. Maroney. “Former members of the National Guard and former reservists earned the right to receive specialty license plates and driver’s licenses. As Vice Chair of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I am determined to always advocate for our Veterans and armed service members.”

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.