Munoz expands fallen police officers and firefighters special license plate to grieving children

SPRINGFIELD – Children of fallen police officers or firefighters would be eligible to receive specialty license plates under a proposal sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago).

“When you’re a police officer or firefighter your family serves with you,” said Munoz, a former Chicago police officer. “We want those children who have lost a parent in the line of duty to know that we acknowledge their loss and give them an opportunity to commemorate their loved one.”

Currently, only the surviving spouse and parents of a fallen police officer or firefighter are eligible for the license plates.

Senate Bill 1894 allows children and step children of police officers or firefighters who have died in the line of duty to be issued deceased police officer or firefighter license plates. The measure was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday.

A $15 fee is charged for the first issuance of the license plate in addition to the registration fee. A $2 fee is charged for each registration renewal thereafter.

The proposal is scheduled to move to the full Senate for consideration.