House OK's Support Our Troops License Plates

(Juneau) - The Alaska House of Representatives today passed HB 184, a bill that creates commemorative license plates in conjunction with the national nonprofit Support Our Troops® Inc. Sponsored by Representative Bob Roses (R-Anchorage), the bill sets out a cost $40 more than standard state license plates for the commemorative troop plates, which the Legislature may appropriate to provide benefits to Alaska troops and their families. The corporation will establish an Alaska Disbursement Board that will determine the best manner to distribute the funds.

This is just one small way Alaskans can show their support for those men and women who volunteer to protect our way of life, freedom and state. I would like to thank Support Our Troops® Inc. for spearheading this project and am happy to sponsor this piece of legislation.
~ Rep. Bob Roses

"This is just one small way Alaskans can show their support for those men and women who volunteer to protect our way of life, freedom and state," Roses said. "I would like to thank Support Our Troops® Inc. for spearheading this project and am happy to sponsor this piece of legislation. Revenue generated from the sale of these plates will be spent to support Alaskan troops and their families – the Local Disbursement Boards are the key to keeping the focus local."

HB 184 also would allow qualified disabled veterans and Alaska residents who are 65 years or older, with a proven disability, to elect to receive a plate that does not display the international symbol of accessibility and does not carry with it special parking privileges. The bill furthermore carries language increasing the penalty for not updating your name and address information with the Division of Motor Vehicles; the use as an affirmative defense proof that insurance was in effect at the time of an accident; an increase in the driving without insurance penalty; and the inclusion of towing costs to the penalty for using a motor vehicle in the commission of a crime.

Support Our Troops® has completed almost 20 similar license plates for states in the Lower 48, with plans for roughly 20 more in the works. The corporation is a 501(c) (3) national public-benefit charity group, which provides an avenue for local friends and family of U.S. service men and women to support and protect the integrity of their troops while oversees protecting our nation.

HB 184 has been referred to the Senate for its consideration.