SACRAMENTO – The California Assembly today gave unanimous approval to AB 244, a bill introduced by Assemblywoman Susan A. Bonilla (D-Concord), which will reestablish the “Veterans” license plate for Californians who have served in the armed forces. The bill now heads to the Governor for his consideration.
“Many veterans have expressed a desire to be able to purchase a California license plate that specifically identifies them as a veteran,” said Assemblywoman Bonilla. “That is why I have been partnering with many veterans organizations in carrying this bill. Not only will it create this distinctive plate to properly recognize their service and sacrifice, but it will increase funding to County Veteran Service Offices to ensure that veterans have access to their guaranteed benefits including employment, retirement, medical and housing assistance.”
Assembly Bill 244 will reestablish the “Veterans” license plate that was discontinued in 2010 and was replaced by the “Honoring Veterans” plate that could be purchased by California motorists who wish to support veterans.
“Ever since the ‘Veterans’ license plate was discontinued, veterans and veterans groups have been clamoring for it to be brought back so that veterans can show their pride for having served their country during wartime,” said Pete Conaty, Retired Army officer and governmental affairs advocate for numerous veterans service organizations such as the AMVETS, American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Vietnam Veterans of America and other organizations.
California has the largest population of veterans in the nation. Slightly less than two million veterans reside in California, with over 37,000 veterans returning to California each year. The funds generated by sales of the “Veterans” license plate will be distributed to County Veterans Service Offices to help maintain their operations.
Assemblywoman Susan A. Bonilla was first elected to the Assembly in November 2010, and represents California’s 14th Assembly District, which is comprised of the north and central portions of Contra Costa County and southern portion of Solano County.
