Bipartisan legislation sponsored on the Democratic side by Assembly members Troy Singleton and Herb Conaway, Jr., M.D. to provide veterans with a readily available and easily accessible method of proving their veteran status was approved 76 – 0 by the General Assembly on Thursday.
“This is really just a simple gesture to help make life a little bit easier for veterans,” said Singleton (D-Burlington). “Many businesses offer discounts or promotional programs for those who have served our country and this would help them easily prove their status whenever they’re out and about.”
The bill (S-323/A-2561) would permit county clerks to create an identification card for veterans who live within the county and do not already hold a veteran ID card issued by the federal government.
“A number of states are already doing this to help veteran’s easily prove their status when necessary,” said Conaway (D-Burlington). “The enormity of their sacrifices can never be repaid by tokens like this, but we can at least make life a little easier for them whenever possible.”
However, the bill specifies that the designation of veteran status on a driver’s license or identification card shall not be deemed sufficient valid proof of veteran status for official governmental purposes when any other statute, or any regulation or other directive of a governmental entity requires documentation of veteran status.
The measure unanimously passed the Senate in May and now heads to the Governor’s desk.