IA HF2351

Applicants for military-related special registration plates (including ex-prisoner of war, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, combat badges, and veteran plates) may request an alternative design at no additional cost featuring navy blue along the top, red along the bottom, white center with black letters/numbers, and a gray bald eagle image behind the characters.

Eligible plate types include ex-prisoner of war, Legion of Merit, National Guard, Pearl Harbor, Purple Heart, armed forces retired, Silver or Bronze Star, Distinguished Service Cross, combat infantryman badge, combat action badge/ribbon/medal, combat medical badge, Gold Star, and U.S. veteran plates.

Persons with previously issued military special registration plates matching the standard design may exchange them for the new patriotic design at no additional cost.

The bill amends Section 321.166 to add this alternative plate design option alongside existing exceptions for Gold Star, Medal of Honor, collegiate, firefighter, natural resources, blackout, and flying our colors plates.

The act applies on December 1, 2028, or earlier if the Department of Transportation certifies that its new records system phase is implemented, whichever comes first.