The state Senate has passed legislation that provides Gold Star family members with the option of obtaining special license plates.

The bill was sponsored by Senator Joseph Griffo.

Griffo's legislation creates a distinctive license plate for Gold Star families, Gold Star mothers or family members who live in the state.  The legislation also removes the registration fee for the license plates.

Gold Star families are the immediate relatives of service members who have been killed in combat or in support of other military activities.

"The families of the brave men and women who have died protecting our freedom deserve every effort we can possibly make on their behalf,"  Griffo said. "Giving them an opportunity to honor their loved one with a custom license plate will serve as a powerful reminder to everyone that drives and rides on New York's streets and highways that military families live among us."

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