Rep. Faris introduces bill to help disabled veterans

LANSING – State Representative Pam Faris (D-Clio) introduced HB 4785 recently, a bill to help ease financial burdens disabled veterans and their families may face.

The legislation instructs the Secretary of State to waive the title and registration transfer fees on a vehicle that is specially equipped to transport persons with disabilities, if the vehicle is being transferred from one disabled veteran to another disabled veteran and both became disabled during his or her period of service.

The bill was inspired by the story of a Genesee County soldier who returned home from Afghanistan after suffering very serious injuries while on duty. The local estate of a disabled Vietnam veteran generously gifted a handicap-accessible vehicle to the soldier’s family to help meet his unique transportation needs as he continued to heal. Unfortunately, the state fees were a barrier when added to the many other financial obligations the family faced. “Fortunately, the estate was able to cover the fees,” Faris said.

“The Fourth of July is when we celebrate the independence of our nation. During this patriotic holiday, we remember that we are enjoying life in ‘the land of the free, and the home of the brave.’ As a state, we should honor the service of all our brave veterans and give special consideration to the great sacrifices wounded soldiers and their families continue to make long after their return home.” Faris continued, “State fees should never block a generous gift from one disabled veteran to another.”

#Faris #Veterans