HB 4723 Summary

• Allows individuals who are or were members of the United States Merchant Marine to apply for a special registration plate displaying a vignette and the words "Merchant Marine" beneath the registration numbers.

• Applications must be submitted on a form prescribed by the Secretary of State with proof of Merchant Marine membership (past or present Merchant Mariner license or credential issued by the U.S. Coast Guard) and do not require a service fee.

• Special plates are issued for use on passenger vehicles and expire on the vehicle owner's birthday; disabled applicants receive a disability tab with their plate.

• Misuse of the special plate on an unauthorized vehicle or by an ineligible person is a misdemeanor.

• Plate renewals do not require a service fee or re-submission of proof, though standard vehicle registration taxes still apply.