LEGISLATIVE FISCAL ESTIMATE TO

[First Reprint]

SENATE, No. 1653

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: FEBRUARY 24, 1997

      Senate Bill No. 1653 (1R) of 1996 authorizes the issuance of special license plates to persons awarded a Purple Heart while serving in the armed forces. There would be no cost for these special plates other than motor vehicle registration fees otherwise required by law. Under current law, special Purple Heart plates are issued only to holders of that award who are members of certain service organizations.

      The Office of Legislative Services (OLS) cannot determine how many holders of the Purple Heart who are not members of service organizations would be interested in obtaining these new Purple Heart license plates. However, OLS would note that approximately 2,300 holders of the Purple Heart who are members of certain service organizations have been issued special Purple Heart plates. Based on costs for other special license plate bills, OLS would estimate a cost of about $1,500 for a new plate die and costs of $10 to $15 to produce each set of special plates.

      This legislative fiscal estimate has been produced by the Office of Legislative Services due to the failure of the Executive Branch to respond to our request for a fiscal note.

This fiscal estimate has been prepared pursuant to P.L.1980, c.67.