Senate Approves September 11th License Plate Bill

New Yorkers wishing to remember the events of September 11, 2001, will have a new way of doing so, thanks to Senate passage of a bill co-sponsored by Senator Malcolm A. Smith (D-Queens).

The bill, S.8035A, creates the distinctive "September 11, 2001, Remembrance" license plate, which will be available for issuance upon request by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Eighty percent of the annual $25 service charge will go to the World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship Program, which will provide scholarship money for the families of September 11 victims.

Passage of this legislation -- which was also passed by the Assembly and now goes to the Governor’s desk for signature into law -- comes three months before the fifth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.

"On September 11, 2001, our country, our state, and our city was forever changed by a cowardly attack on the World Trade Center," Senator Smith said. "More than 2,700 people -- friends, neighbors, colleagues, family members, police officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel -- perished on that awful day."

"It is difficult to find few, if any New Yorkers, who have been affected by what happened in lower Manhattan five years ago," continued Senator Smith. "So, it is wholly appropriate that we remember and honor those who perished with a distinctive plate in commemoration of September 11, and I applaud my colleagues for unanimously approving this measure."

Senator Smith pointed out that distinctive, or custom, plates are available for numerous causes such as breast cancer research; diabetes research and education; organ and tissue donation; and domestic violence awareness. These plates give New Yorkers a unique opportunity to show their support for a worthy cause. The September 11 license plates, said the Queens lawmaker, will be no exception.

"Since 9/11, New York has proven to be a resilient city and a resilient state. But we will never forget what happened at the World Trade Center. These commemorative license plates will serve as a vivid reminder of the lives lost, the courage found, and the sacrifices made," said Senator Smith. "That most of the proceeds from these plates will fund scholarships for the families of the victims of September 11 sends a powerful message that they have not been forgotten."