28-2470.03. Veterans of overseas conflicts special plates; fund
A. If, by December 31, 2021, a person pays $32, 000 to the department for the implementation of this section, the department shall issue veterans of overseas conflicts special plates. The person that provides the $32, 000 shall design the veterans of overseas conflicts special plates. The design and color of the veterans of overseas conflicts special plates are subject to the approval of the department. The director may allow a request for veterans of overseas conflicts special plates to be combined with a request for personalized special plates. If the director allows such a combination, the request shall be in a form prescribed by the director and is subject to the fees for the personalized special plates in addition to the fees required for the veterans of overseas conflicts special plates.
B. Of the $25 fee required by section 28-2402 for the original special plates and for renewal of special plates, $8 is a special plate administration fee and $17 is an annual donation.
C. The department shall deposit, pursuant to sections 35-146 and 35-147, all special plate administration fees in the state highway fund established by section 28-6991 and all donations collected pursuant to this section in the veterans of overseas conflicts special plate fund established by this section.
D. The veterans of overseas conflicts special plate fund is established consisting of monies deposited pursuant to this section. The director shall administer the fund. The first $32, 000 in the fund shall be reimbursed to the person that paid the implementation fee to the department pursuant to subsection A of this section. Not more than ten percent of monies deposited in the fund annually shall be used for the cost of administering the fund. Monies in the fund are continuously appropriated.
E. The director shall annually allocate monies from the fund, excluding administrative fees, to an entity that is qualified under section 501(c)(19) of the United States internal revenue code for federal income tax purposes. The entity may use the monies only to train and pay persons throughout this state where needed to process veterans claims for service-connected disabilities and illnesses. The entity must:
1. Be located in this state.
2. Have a mission to:
(a) Foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts.
(b) Serve veterans, the military and the community.
(c) Advocate on behalf of all veterans.
3. Have a vision to ensure that veterans are respected for their service, always receive their earned entitlements and are recognized for the sacrifices they and their loved ones make on behalf of the United States.
4. Have the following core values:
(a) Always put the interest of the entity's members first.
(b) Treat donors as partners in the entity's cause.
(c) Promote patriotism.
(d) Honor military service.
(e) Ensure the care of veterans and their families.
(f) Serve the entity's communities.
(g) Promote a positive image of veterans of foreign wars.
(h) Respect the diversity of veteran opinions.
F. On notice from the director, the state treasurer shall invest and divest monies in the fund as provided by section 35-313, and monies earned from investment shall be credited to the fund.