Assemblyman Jim Frazier is proving to bring solid legislation to Sacramento while putting people first. His latest bill will offer a convenience to our veterans with which would allow California Military Veterans to apply for a driver’s license that officially identifies them as veterans.
This is a great idea and common sense—I am actually surprised it’s not been proposed in the past and passed as it makes logical sense and would save folks from having to carry two forms of identification or official discharge papers. The purpose is simple; veterans can easily and quickly identify themselves and access services using their driver’s license.
“We have 1.8 million veterans in California, and I feel honored and privileged to author this bill to recognize their service and to provide an easier form of identification for them to access benefits.” Frazier said in a press release.
In speaking to Frazier this morning, it all came down to “convenience” for our veterans and I agree. This is a slam dunk and kudos to him and his team for bringing AB 531 forward.
Here is a brief summery of the Bill
AB 531, as introduced, Frazier. Driver’s licenses: veteran designation.
(1) Under existing law, when the Department of Motor Vehicles determines that an applicant is lawfully entitled to a driver’s license, the department is required to issue that license to the applicant. Existing law specifies the contents of a driver’s license and requires the application for a driver’s license or identification card to contain a space for an applicant to indicate whether he or she has served in the Armed Forces of the United States and to give his or her consent to be contacted regarding eligibility to receive state or federal veterans benefits.
This bill would require the application for a driver’s license or identification card to also allow a person to present to the department, in a manner determined by the department, a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, as specified, and to request the driver’s license or identification card be printed with the word “VETERAN.” The bill would require the department to allow an applicant to present a verification from the county veterans service officer that the person has received that form. The department would be required to print the word “VETERAN” on the face of a driver’s license or identification card issued to a person who makes that request and presents that form to the department.
(2) Existing law establishes certain fee amounts for the applications for, and renewal of, driver’s licenses and identification cards.
This bill would require the department to charge an additional fee in an unspecified amount to a person who requests that the person’s driver’s license or identification card be designated, as provided above. The bill would require the department to forward $1 of the amount collected to the Controller, for deposit in the Veterans Service Office Fund. The bill would require the revenues deposited in the Veterans Service Office Fund to be expended, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for the support of county veterans service offices.
