ST. PAUL – A bill co-authored by State Representative Tony Cornish (R-Vernon Center) that creates a special motorcycle license plate for wounded combat veterans will soon be debated on the Minnesota House floor.
“This proposal was brought forward by veterans from the Mankato area,” Cornish said. “We currently have wounded combat veteran license plates for cars and trucks, but nothing for motorcycles, which is why the bill is needed.”
Cornish said he brought their concerns to the Department of Vehicle Services, which thought the license plate containing a smaller purple heart would be unrecognizable. But after creating two prototypes, the Department found that a visible purple heart would fit on a motorcycle license plate, so Cornish and others proceeded with the legislation.
The bill would change one sentence in current law by adding motorcycles to the definition for a wounded combat veteran’s license plate. He said this bill carries no additional cost to the state as it simply changes the size of a plate already in existence.
Cornish said the bill moved quickly through House committees and is pleased area veterans brought the need to his attention.
“A number of important bills have been drafted this year that will help veterans statewide,” Cornish said. “In comparison to those proposals this bill isn’t as urgent, but its quick passage is going to make some local vets very happy, and I’m glad they will be able to receive this recognition.”