MS HB85

Authorizes Mississippi residents who are recipients of the Silver Star to obtain one distinctive license plate annually for a private passenger vehicle or pickup truck, effective July 1, 2011.

Exempts vehicles owned by Silver Star recipients or their unremarried surviving spouses from all motor vehicle registration fees, privilege taxes, and ad valorem taxes.

Requires proof of Silver Star status from the State Veterans Affairs Board at time of application for the distinctive plate, which shall bear the words "Silver Star."

Permits unremarried surviving spouses of deceased Silver Star recipients to apply for or retain the distinctive plate and renew annually by filing a sworn statement of unmarried status with the county tax collector.

Establishes penalties of a fine of not less than $1,000 or imprisonment in county jail for not less than six months, or both, for violating provisions or attempting to fraudulently obtain benefits under this section.