Senator Meek advocates for veteran plates on motorcycles and mopeds in Oregon

This article was created by AI using a video recording of the meeting. It summarizes the key points discussed, but for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Link to Full Meeting

During a recent meeting of the Oregon House Committee on Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans, lawmakers discussed Senate Bill 159, which aims to expand the availability of veterans recognition license plates to include motorcycles and mopeds. Currently, these specialty plates are only issued for passenger vehicles and trucks, but the proposed change seeks to honor veterans who ride two-wheeled vehicles, a community that holds significant cultural ties to freedom and camaraderie.

Senator Mark Meek, who introduced the bill, emphasized the importance of recognizing veterans through these plates, stating that they serve as a visible acknowledgment of their service. The bill received unanimous bipartisan support in the Senate, passing with a vote of 29 to 0, and is expected to have minimal fiscal impact.

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) provided insights into the implementation of the bill. DMV Administrator Amy Joyce explained that the agency would work with advocates and law enforcement to design a plate that meets visibility and aesthetic standards. Currently, there are 25 different options for veterans' plates, which include various branches of service and service-connected medals.

Joyce noted that while the bill does not specify the design of the new plates, there is flexibility to create a standard veteran plate without additional insignia if desired. This could streamline the process and reduce costs, making it easier for veterans to obtain these plates.

The committee also discussed the potential market for these plates, with approximately 267,000 military veterans in Oregon and around 128,000 registered motorcycles and mopeds. Given the average issuance of about 2,700 veteran recognition plates annually for passenger vehicles, the initial demand for motorcycle and moped plates is expected to be modest.

As the committee moves forward, the focus will be on ensuring that the new plates effectively honor veterans while being practical for implementation. The next steps will involve collaboration with stakeholders to finalize the design and logistics of the new plates, reinforcing Oregon's commitment to recognizing and supporting its veteran community.

Converted from House Committee On Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans 05/06/2025 1:00 PM meeting on May 06, 2025
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