"NEXT OF KIN" SPECIAL LICENSE PLATE S.B. 507:

SUMMARY OF INTRODUCED BILL

IN COMMITTEE

Senate Bill 507 (as introduced 8-26-25)

Sponsor: Senator Dan Lauwers

Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure

Date Completed: 10-27-25

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to allow a next of kin to apply to the Secretary of State (SOS) 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.

As currently required for special registration plates, the bill would require an application for a "Next of Kin" special registration plate to be on a form prescribed by the SOS and accompanied by any proof that the applicant was or had been next of kin that the SOS required. Such an application could not require a service fee; however, an individual who received a "Next of Kin" plate would have to pay the tax levied by the SOS on a vehicle at registration.

The bill would take effect 90 days after its enactment.

MCL 257.803e

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.

Fiscal Analyst: Joe Carrasco, Jr.

SAS\S2526\s507sa

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.