Senate Approves Korean Defense Service Medal License Plate

HARRISBURG – State Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) announced that the Senate unanimously approved House Bill 2295, introduced by Representative Chris Sainato (D-9), that would authorize a state license plate commemorating recipients of the Korean Defense Service Medal.

In 2004, the United States Congress authorized the Korean Defense Service Medal to give special recognition for the sacrifices and contributions made by members of the U.S. armed forces who have served or are serving in the Republic of Korea, including the surrounding waters and airspace since the signing of the cease-fire in July, 1953. Nearly 400,000 members of the United States armed forces have served in the Republic of Korea in the last 50 years.

According to Senator Robbins, a two-tour Vietnam War veteran, the state Transportation Department currently provides special-designation license plates for veterans of several conflicts, including Pearl Harbor survivors, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Persian Gulf War.

"I am glad to have worked closely with Representative Sainato to quickly move this bill through the Senate," said Robbins. "The truth is these members of the Armed Forces deserve recognition for serving their country in a dangerous part of the world.

While the time frame for the availability for these plates by the Department of Transportation is undecided, the cost of a special plate is a one-time $20 fee in addition to the regular annual registration fee for the vehicle. PennDOT is permitted to require documentation to determine eligibility for the special plate.

The bill now goes to the Governor for approval.

Contact:

Michael A. Hengst
(717) 787-1322