Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
HB 2312
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Making military service award emblems available for purchase.
Sponsors: Representatives Zeiger, Clibborn, Armstrong, Ladenburg, Hargrove, Billig, Dammeier, Orwall, Bailey, Takko, Finn, Asay, Smith, Tharinger, Kelley, Pearson, Miloscia and Moscoso.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/18/12
Staff: Beth Redfield (786-7347).
Background:
Veterans discharged under honorable conditions and individuals serving on active duty in the United States armed forces may purchase a veterans remembrance emblem or campaign medal emblem for display on license plates. Veterans and active duty military personnel who served during periods of war or armed conflict may purchase a remembrance emblem depicting campaign ribbons which they were awarded.
Veterans or active duty military personnel requesting a veteran remembrance emblem or campaign medal emblem must pay a prescribed fee set by the Department of Licensing (Department), show proof of eligibility, and must be the legal or registered owner of the vehicle on which the emblem is to be displayed.
The Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Army, for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force. Actions that merit the Distinguished Service Cross must be of such a high degree to be above those required for all other United States combat decorations but not meeting the criteria for the Medal of Honor. The Distinguished Service Cross is equivalent to the Navy Cross (Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard) and the Air Force Cross (Air Force).
The Silver Star is the third highest military decoration and is awarded for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States. The Silver Star may be awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the armed forces, distinguishes himself or herself by extraordinary heroism.
The Bronze Star is the fourth-highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces. It may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism.
Summary of Bill:
Veterans discharged under honorable conditions and individuals serving on active duty in the United States armed forces may purchase a military service award emblem for display on license plates.
The following military service award emblems will be made available: Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Air Force Cross, Bronze Star medal, and Silver Star medal.
Veterans or active duty military personnel requesting a military service award emblem must pay a prescribed fee set by the Department, show proof of eligibility, and must be the legal or registered owner of the vehicle on which the emblem is to be displayed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.