"NEXT OF KIN" SPECIAL LICENSE PLATE S.B. 507 (S-1):
SUMMARY OF BILL
REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 507 (Substitute S-1 as reported)
Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure
"NEXT OF KIN" SPECIAL LICENSE PLATE S.B. 507 (S-1):
SUMMARY OF BILL
REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 507 (Substitute S-1 as reported)
Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to allow a next of kin to apply to the Secretary of State for a next of kin special registration plate. The plate would be inscribed with special identification numbers preceded by an insignia of a Next of Kin of Deceased Personnel lapel button and the words "Next of Kin" beneath the registration number.
"Next of kin" would mean a person who is a qualified family member of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States who lost their life while serving on active duty or while assigned in an Army Reserve or Army National Guard unit in a drill status. "Qualified family member" would mean the deceased member's surviving spouse, even if the surviving spouse has remarried, and each biological parent, step-parent, adoptive parent, foster parent who stood in loco parentis, child, step-child, adopted child, sibling, and half-sibling of the deceased member.
The bill would take effect 180 days after its enactment.
BRIEF RATIONALE
If a member of the United States military dies during active-duty service, that member’s spouse, parents, and children become eligible for one of two designations: 1) the Gold Star Family designation for death due to hostile conditions or terrorism; or 2) the Next of Kin designation for death under non-combat circumstances, such as in a training accident. Michigan offers a Gold Star Family license plate to eligible residents; however, the State does not provide a Next of Kin license plate. Some believe that the families of service members who passed serving their country should be honored, regardless of the circumstances of their deaths. Accordingly, it has been suggested that the State develop a license plate to honor Next of Kin families.
PREVIOUS LEGISLATION
(This section does not provide a comprehensive account of previous legislative efforts on this subject matter.)
The bill is a reintroduction of Senate Bill 352 from the 2023-2024 Legislative Session. Senate Bill 352 passed the Senate and was referred to the House Committee on Government Operations but received no further action.
Legislative Analyst: Abby Schneider
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Date Completed: 11-24-25 Fiscal Analyst: Joe Carrasco, Jr.
floor\sb507 Bill Analysis @ www.senate.michigan.gov/sfa
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.