The Minnesota Senate unanimously passed a bill today that would expand the eligibility of who can display the Purple Heart license plate on their vehicle.
Currently, only veterans who have received the Purple Heart are able to purchase the Purple Heart vehicle license plate. The bill would allow wounded active-duty service members to qualify for the plate as well.
The bill, sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Tarryl Clark, DFL-St. Cloud, would also allow a son or daughter of a service member who dies in active service to obtain a Gold Star license plate. Under current law, only a surviving spouse or parent may qualify.
For an interesting look at the different veteran plates available in Minnesota look here.
The license plate would be available to any active-duty Minnesota service member who has been awarded the Purple Heart. The bill is supported by the Minnesota National Guard, the Stearns County Veterans Service Office, and Military Order of the Purple Heart. The plates cost an additional $14, including a $10 special plate fee and an additional $4 filing fee.
