Senate Unanimously Approves Bill Waiving License Plate Fee for Gold Star Families

MADISON, WI — The Wisconsin State Senate on Thursday approved bipartisan legislation to waive the license plate personalization fee for the families of servicemen and women who died in the line of duty.

Gold Star plates in Wisconsin signify that the recipient is the immediate family member of a service member who died in combat. While the plate itself is without charge, many families choose to personalize their Gold Star plates with names, ranks, or units — a deeply personal tribute that currently carries an annual fee of $15.
Senate Bill 38 removes that fee, allowing the 456 Wisconsin families with Gold Star plates to honor their loved ones at no additional cost.

“Gold Star families have already made unimaginable sacrifices,” said bill co-author Sen. Rob Hutton (R-Brookfield). “Words could never express the gratitude we all feel, but with Memorial Day coming up, eliminating this fee is a timely way to demonstrate the respect that those families deserve.”

Senate Bill 38 earned support from both sides of the aisle and passed the Senate unanimously, reflecting a widely shared respect for public service and personal sacrifice that military service embodies.

“I want to thank the bipartisan group of legislators who came together at a fitting time to remember and honor the sacrifices of those who gave everything for our country and to extend our deep gratitude to their families,” Hutton said.