State senator helps remove fee for Gold Star license plates

SPRINGFIELD – Gold Star spouses and parents will no longer have to pay registration fees for Gold Star license plates in Illinois, under a new law sponsored by state Sen. Brian Stewart, R-Freeport.

House Bill 20 removes the $151 registration fee for Gold Star license plates for surviving widows, widowers, or parents of service personnel who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and lost their lives while in wartime service.

“On May 31, the Illinois Senate paused a moment to remember what Memorial Day truly represents. Several of us who served in the military were humbled to honor the young men and women who through the years left their homes and families to serve, and gave their lives for our great nation,” Stewart said.

There are currently 374 active Gold Star plates in Illinois, and the bill becomes effective Jan. 1.