BOSTON — Westford’s state senator John Cronin recently helped pass a bill which will create new license plates honoring the memories of fallen law enforcement officers.
On Jan. 15, the Massachusetts Senate unanimously voted to approve Bill S.2903, known as an “Act Honoring Blue Star Families”, which would direct the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles to create a new Blue Star Families license plate, honoring families of fallen police officers. The bill will also create a Blue Star Family emblem for motorcycle plates.
The bill was proposed by Sen. Paul Mark and made possible through the work of Sen. Michael Rodrigues, who is the chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, as well as Sen. John Cronin, who is the chair of the Senate Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security.
“Today’s vote affirms the Massachusetts Senate’s commitment to honor those who have given everything in service of our Commonwealth,” Cronin said. “This legislation not only recognizes our fallen heroes but also ensures that their service and sacrifice lives on through their loved ones. I’m proud to have voted for this bill and am grateful to Senate President (Karen) Spilka and my colleagues for their efforts to support Blue Star Families and the law enforcement community.”
If signed into law, the bill would require the RMV to make the plates available to Blue Star spouses, parents, and children without charge. The RMV would also offer vanity plate registrations for Blue Star plates up to six characters in length.
The Blue Star Family license plates would join other special recognition plates currently offered by the RMV, which include Gold Star Family plates for drivers with close family members who have served in the armed forces.
“This legislation represents small but meaningful recognition to honor the memory of the fallen and to affirm our enduring commitment to the families and loved ones they leave behind,” Spilka said. “With deep gratitude, I thank Chair Rodrigues and Chair Cronin for their work on this legislation, and Senator Mark for his leadership in proposing this bill.”
The bill was approved by the Senate on a 39 to 0 vote, which means it’s now up to the House of Representatives to approve or reject it.
