(COLUMBUS) - Surviving spouses of Purple Heart recipients could soon be allowed to keep or obtain Purple Heart license plates under legislation approved by the Ohio House.
House Bill 339 passed the House on a unanimous 91-0 vote Wednesday and now heads to the Ohio Senate.
Current Ohio law does not allow a surviving spouse to continue displaying a Purple Heart plate after the recipient's death. The bill would allow eligible spouses who have not remarried to retain the specialty plate or apply for one after their spouse dies.
State Rep. Jim Hoops of Napoleon said the measure recognizes the sacrifices made not only by service members but also by their families.
The legislation was inspired by middle school student Grady Langenderfer, whose grandmother was unable to keep displaying a Purple Heart plate after the death of his grandfather.
Under the proposal, surviving spouses would apply through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles and provide documentation showing the deceased spouse received the Purple Heart. Applicants also would be required to meet standard registration requirements and pay applicable fees and taxes.
The measure must still be approved by the Ohio Senate and signed by the governor before becoming law.