Simonsen Bill Would Create Coast Guard License Plate and Generate Donations to Support the Service

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, N.J. — Assemblyman Erik Simonsen is sponsoring legislation that would create a special United States Coast Guard license plate while generating financial support for the service.

“Cape May County is a proud Coast Guard Community and home to the nation’s only Coast Guard Training Center,” said Simonsen (R–Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland). “The Coast Guard is woven into the fabric of our region. This legislation would give New Jerseyans a visible way to honor its members while providing direct support to the service.”

The bill would also allow individuals and organizations to make donations to help establish the license plate program. Any remaining donations, along with plate fees collected after administrative expenses, would be deposited into the United States Coast Guard License Plate Fund and appropriated annually to the Coast Guard.

Assembly Bill 1436 would authorize a specialty license plate featuring the Coast Guard seal and a design developed in consultation with the service. The plate would be available to active Coast Guard members, honorably separated former members and certain immediate family members.

“Nearly every enlisted Coast Guard member begins their career in Cape May, creating a special connection between our community and Coast Guard families across the country,” Simonsen said. “This plate would allow people to display their Coast Guard pride while helping support the men and women who protect our waters, ports and communities.”

The specialty plate would carry a $50 initial fee and a $10 annual renewal fee in addition to standard registration costs.

“Cape May County proudly stands behind the Coast Guard,” Simonsen added. “This plate would serve as a lasting symbol of our gratitude while turning that support into something meaningful for the service.”