Provides that family members of paid professional firefighters who died in the line-of-duty may obtain a "Survivor of the Bravest" license plate

1 Co-sponsor

• William J. Larkin Jr.

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to authorizing the issuance of distinctive license plates for family members of paid professional firefighters who died in the line-of-duty

Purpose

Authorizes the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue "Survivor of the Bravest" license plates to family members of a paid professional firefighter who died in the line of duty in celebration of the efforts and sacrifices made by these firefighters to vigilantly serve their communities.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 of this bill would add a new section, 404-x, to the Vehicle and Traffic Law.

Subdivision 1 of this new section establishes the definition of the term "family members of a paid professional firefighter who died in the line of duty".

Subdivision 2 of this new section provides the procedure through which a family member of a paid professional firefighter who died in the line of duty may obtain a Survivor of the Bravest license plate from the Department of Motor vehicles.

Subdivision 3 of this new section provides that a Survivor of the Bravest license plate will be issued upon proof that the applicant is a family member of a paid professional firefighter who died in the line-of-duty.

Subdivision 4 of this new section provides that a Survivor of the Bravest license plate shall be issued in the same manner as other number plates, except that there is an additional annual service charge of twenty-five dollars for this license plate. This annual service charge shall be deposited in the Department of Motor Vehicles' distinctive plate development fund that has been established pursuant to State Finance Law section 95-g.

Section 2 of this bill provides that this act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it has been signed into law.

Existing law

Currently, there is no statutory provision for this type of license plate.

JUSTIFICATION :'

These "Survivor of the Bravest" license plates will recognize the many contributions and valuable services performed by our State's paid professional firefighters. The attacks of September 11th took the lives of many paid professional firefighters who were called upon to rescue victims and protect New Yorkers. On a daily basis these real-life heroes continue to battle against arson, make daring rescue attempts and face incredible danger. It is only fitting that we recognize those who have lost their lives in the line-ofduty protecting the citizens of our state.

"Survivor of the Bravest" license plates would be a small token of our appreciation to the family members of these incredible public servants and would recognize the selfless heroism and supreme sacrifices that these professional firefighters have made. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :

2014: S. 1960 - Passed the Senate 2013: S. 1960 - Referred to Transportation 2012: S.7056 - Referred to Transportation 2010: S.499 - Referred to Transportation 2009: S.499 - Referred to Transportation 2008: S.4046 - Referred to Transportation 2007: S.4046 - Referred to Transportation

Fiscal implications

Minimal.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall have become law.