Senate passes bill creating Blue Star family specialty license plates for families of officers killed in line of duty

The Massachusetts Senate on Monday passed Senate Bill 2903, an act to create Blue Star family specialty license plates for parents, children or spouses of law-enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

Sponsor remarks: The senator speaking for the measure described it as a "simple and straightforward" way to honor families who lost an officer in the line of duty. The sponsor specifically cited Officer Steven Laporta of Uxbridge, who died on Jan. 7 and was buried the same day, as an example of the families the measure aims to recognize.

What the bill does: Under the measure, the registrar would establish specialty license plates issued at no charge to eligible family members (parent, child or spouse) of a law-enforcement officer killed in the line of duty. Supporters said the plates offer a tangible way for the Commonwealth to acknowledge sacrifice and provide visible recognition for surviving family members.

Vote: On third reading the Senate recorded 38 ayes and 0 nays and passed the bill to be engrossed.

Next steps: The bill will proceed through the remaining legislative steps after engrossment; sponsors said they hoped the measure could be enacted promptly as a memorial acknowledgement of service.

Ending: Senators framed the bill as a modest but meaningful acknowledgment for families who have lost loved ones in service to public safety.