Special recognition would help immediate family honor their loved ones
BOSTON – State Representative Richard M. Haggerty (D-Woburn) voted alongside his House and Senate colleagues to pass legislation that created a new special license plate to honor the memories of fallen law enforcement officers by offering a symbol of respect to their surviving spouses, parents, and children.
“Every day, law enforcement officers put on their uniforms knowing the risks they face, and they do it protect our communities,” said Representative Haggerty (D-Woburn). “When an officer makes the ultimate sacrifice, their families are left to carry that loss for the rest of their lives. The Blue Star Families plate is a small token of appreciation and a visible and lasting reminder that the Commonwealth has not forgotten what was given in service to all of us. I am proud to have stood with my colleagues in voting for this legislation, and to every Blue Star Family in the Commonwealth, I want you to know that your sacrifice is seen, it is honored, and it will never be forgotten.”
The bill S.2903, An Act honoring Blue Star Families, directs the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) to create a new Blue Star Families plate to help the family members remember their loved one in a visible way on their car. It would also create a Blue Star Family emblem for motorcycle plates.
Under the legislation, the RMV would be required to make the plates available to Blue Star spouses, parents, and children without charge. The RMV would also be able to offer vanity plate registrations for Blue Star plates up to six characters in length.
The Blue Star Family license plates would join other special recognition plates currently offered by the RMV, including Gold Star Family plates for drivers with close family members who died as a result of their service in the armed forces.
Governor Maura Healey has signed the legislation into law.
