Relating to veterans' recognition plates.

Broader veterans plate access with annual fees

Oregon expands veterans’ recognition plates to qualifying owners of vehicles registered under ORS 803.420(6)(c), alongside those under (6)(a). The plates carry a $2.50 surcharge per plate per year, paid at issuance and renewal. After administrative costs, proceeds support Oregon Veterans’ Homes, or may go to a named veterans’ group’s designated account. The transportation department tracks plates issued for each group and sends its remaining funds to that account. Gold Star Family plates display a gold star and the words “Gold Star Family.” Only a parent, sibling, spouse, or dependent of someone killed in action can receive them, with proof required. Siblings include full and half siblings and siblings through adoption, marriage, or domestic partnership. The department can waive the surcharge when a Gold Star Family member requests it and money is available to cover it. Payments covering waived surcharges are deposited quarterly. Department rules set veterans’ group eligibility, conditions for ending plate issuance, and acceptable proof of veteran status when required by a group or the veterans’ affairs director. The department designs plates with the veterans’ affairs director and works with requesting groups on identifying words or military decals. It sets production quantities and must stop production unless at least 500 plate sets are sold or renewed in a year. Plates recognizing veterans’ groups count toward that total.