(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Wayne DeAngelo and Annette Quijano to exempt certain veterans from having to pay parking meter fees was approved by the Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee on Monday.
“Extending a courtesy to military veterans who have exhibited and were commended for their bravery in war is a small way of thanking these men and women for their service to our country,” said DeAngelo (D-Mercer Middlesex), sponsor of both bills.
The first measure (A-2276) would exempt a person who is a disabled veteran or a recipient of the Purple Heart from the payment of municipal parking meter fees when a motor vehicle owned by the disabled veteran or the Purple Heart recipient displays disabled veteran’s or Purple Heart license plates issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, unless the vehicle has been parked in one location for more than 24 hours.
The exemption would apply only when the disabled veteran or recipient of the Purple Hear to whom the special license plates have been issued is either the driver or a passenger of the vehicle.
The second measure (A-2274) waive parking meter fees and any penalty imposed for parking overtime at metered parking for certain veterans. Currently, the Motor Vehicle Commission issues special license plates to disabled veterans, or recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor. The bill provides that persons issued these license plates are to receive free parking at meters.
“With this bill, New Jersey can continue to show appreciation to our brave veterans for their sacrifices and efforts to preserve democracy around the world.” said Quijano (D-Union), sponsor of A-2274.
The Congressional Medal of Honor is the highest award bestowed on an individual serving in the United States Armed Forces for valor in action, above and beyond the cal of duty, against an opposing enemy force.