(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Bob Andrzejczak (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland) and Vince Mazzeo (D-Atlantic) to create special license plates honoring recipients of the Bronze Star was released Thursday by an Assembly panel.
The bill (A-3086) authorizes the chief administrator of the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission to issue special license plates to recipients of the Bronze Star who request one. The Bronze Star is a decoration awarded by the U.S. Army for heroism or meritorious achievement in ground combat.
“The Bronze Star has been awarded for bravery, acts of merit or meritorious service since 1944,” said Andrzejczak, a U.S. Army veteran who was wounded in Iraq and is the recipient of a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. “This special license plate, while a more humble tribute, would provide another opportunity to pay homage to the valor displayed by these soldiers on the battlefield.”
“Real heroes often walk amongst us and we often don’t even know it,” said Mazzeo. “This is a small way to recognize those who exemplified bravery and thank them for their service to our country.”
The license plates authorized by the bill would bear a design approved by the chief administrator identifying the registrant as a recipient of the Bronze Star, in addition to other markings or identification otherwise prescribed by law. The license plate would be available to recipients of the decoration upon payment of a one time $15 fee that would be in addition to any other motor vehicle registration charges required by law. The chief administrator is to retain the $15 fee to reimburse the commission for costs incurred in producing the license plates. The bill authorizes the chief administrator to promulgate rules and regulations governing the issuance and use of these plates.
Current law provides for the issuance of special plates to recipients of the Silver Star, a United States military decoration awarded for gallantry in action, as well as a Gold Star, a United States military decoration awarded to families who make the ultimate sacrifice.
The bill was released by the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee.