HOUSE FILE 102

BY  GARRETT, WORTHAN, MASSIE, WATTS, ROGERS, IVERSON, HANSON, and HALL

A BILL FOR

An Act concerning the use of special fire fighter motor vehicle registration plates by the surviving spouse of a retired member of a fire department.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

   Section 1.  Section 321.34, subsection 10, Code 2011, is amended by adding the following new paragraph:
   NEW PARAGRAPH.  e.  The surviving spouse of a retired member of a paid or volunteer fire department who was issued special plates under this subsection may continue to use or apply for and use the special plates subject to registration of the special plates in the surviving spouse’s name and upon payment of the regular annual registration fee for the vehicle. If the surviving spouse remarries, the surviving spouse shall return the special plates to the department and the department shall issue regular registration plates to the surviving spouse.
EXPLANATION
   Under current law, a person who is a current or retired member of a paid or volunteer fire department may apply for special fire fighter motor vehicle registration plates. There is a one-time fee of $25 for issuance of the plates, which is credited to the Paul Ryan memorial fire fighter safety training fund. Fire fighter plates are renewed upon payment of the regular annual registration fee for the vehicle.
   This bill allows the surviving spouse of a retired fire fighter who was issued special fire fighter registration plates to continue to use or apply for and use the plates, registering them in the surviving spouse’s name. Renewal of the plates is subject to payment of the regular registration fee for the vehicle. The plates must be exchanged for regular registration plates if the surviving spouse remarries.