Nov. 03, 2022
HARRISBURG – Legislation authored by Rep. Tim O’Neal (R-Washington) that requires PennDOT to create a Blue Star Family license plate for family members of military service members was signed into law by the governor.
“I’m pleased to see this bill cross the finish line,” O’Neal said. “As an Army veteran, I know the strain that deployments can take on families of service personnel. Some hang a Blue Star Banner in their home’s window to signify that their loved one is currently serving to protect our country’s freedom. This will be another way for families to honor their loved one and give the public the opportunity to thank them for their family member’s service.”
Act 112 of 2022 requires PennDOT to issue a Blue Star Family license plate to any family member of a person who is an active-duty military service member, including those in the reserve or National Guard. The plate will cost an additional $23 on top of the registration fee. Plates will not have to be returned once the family member no longer serves on active duty. A family member includes a spouse, mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister, stepmother, stepfather, stepson, stepdaughter, mother or father through adoption, foster mother or father in loco parentis, son and daughter by adoption, half-brother, half-sister, grandfather and grandmother.
Amendments in the Senate added:
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Afghanistan and Iraq Veteran Plate.
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Pollinator Conservation Plate.
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Voluntary contributions to the Children’s Trust Fund when renewing a driver’s license, identification card or vehicle registration. The monies will be used to prevent child abuse and neglect.
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Updates to allow vehicle registration plate frames in response to a court case which deemed the frames illegal.
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Requirements for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to notify E-ZPass account holders the first time the person incurs a v-toll in a calendar year, which occurs when the transponder is not detected at a toll plaza.
The 48th Legislative District in Washington County includes the city of Washington; Chartiers, North Franklin, North Strabane and South Strabane townships; and Canonsburg, East Washington and Houston boroughs.
Representative Tim O’Neal
48th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tracy Polovick
717.260.6358
tpolovick@pahousegop.com
RepONeal.com / Facebook.com/RepTimONeal