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Sponsors present first hearing for Save22 specialty plate to fund veteran suicide prevention
Summary
House Bill 419 would create a Save22 specialty license plate with a $22 donation to the nonprofit and a $10 administrative fee for the BMV; sponsors told the committee the plate would raise awareness and funds for veteran suicide prevention and cited national and Ohio-specific suicide counts. The committee held a first hearing and raised questions about complementary prevention strategies.
Representatives brought House Bill 419 for a first hearing on Nov. 18, proposing a Save22 specialty license plate that would charge a $22 donation to the nonprofit Save22 and an additional $10 administrative fee to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
In sponsor testimony, representatives described Save22 as a Carrollton‑headquartered 501(c)(3) focused on veteran suicide prevention and peer support, saying the organization provides outreach, public education and referrals to mental‑health resources. One sponsor said "approximately 17 veterans die by suicide each day in The United States," a figure echoed in committee discussion; another sponsor cited 6,407 veteran deaths in 2022 and said 232 of those were Ohioans.
Sponsor testimony emphasized that plate proceeds would fund Save22’s programming, outreach and support services, and that registrants could choose options including a reserved plate for additional cost. Committee members asked about other steps to reduce veteran suicide; sponsors pointed to stigma reduction, peer support and targeted outreach, and suggested partnering with organizations such as the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation.
The committee took no formal vote; House Bill 419 received an introductory hearing and will require further committee action to advance.
