House Republican Press Release

May 7, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Reps. D’Amelio, Hamzy: Bill Eliminating Fee for Gold Star Families License Plate Gains Final Approval

Bill Sent to Gov. Rell to be Signed into Law

Legislation that will eliminate the $10 fee for the Gold Star Families license plate received final legislative approval from the state Senate Tuesday, state Representatives Anthony J. D’Amelio, and William A. Hamzy, who cosponsored the bill, said today.

The bill was sent to Governor Rell to be signed into law.                                                                  

The Gold Star Family license plate was authorized by the legislature in 2007 for immediate relatives of state residents killed in action while performing active military duty with the U. S. Armed Forces. Current law requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to charge a $10 fee to cover the cost of making the plates, the legislators said.

“Gold Star families throughout the Greater Waterbury area and throughout Connecticut will be pleased that the Connecticut General Assembly has given final legislative approval to this measure,” said Representative D’Amelio, R-71^st District. “Gold Star families paid a high price to qualify for this plate and should not be charged for it. Eliminating the fee is another way for us to show our appreciation for the families whose sons and daughters lost their lives in defense of our country.”

“Families of service men and women who were killed in action and are interested in obtaining the Gold Star Families license plate to honor loved ones who made the supreme sacrifice for their country will be gratified to learn that they will not be charged a $10 fee in addition to the normal registration charge for the special plate,” said Representative Hamzy, R-78^th District. “The state legislature did the right thing by passing this bill. I’m hopeful that Governor Rell will sign it into law within the next few weeks.”

Both the state House and Senate approved the legislation (HB 5044) unanimously.