Legislature Creates New License Plate for Families of Fallen Law Enforcement Officers

Special recognition would help immediate family honor their loved ones

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Legislature yesterday passed legislation to create a new special license plate to honor the memories of fallen law enforcement officers by offering a symbol of respect to their surviving spouses, parents, and children.

The bill—S.2903, An Act honoring Blue Star Families—directs the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) to create a new Blue Star Families plate to help the family members remember their loved one in a visible way on their car. It would also create a Blue Star Family emblem for motorcycle plates.

“Every day, law enforcement officers across the Commonwealth put themselves between danger and the people they serve. These heroes left their families in the morning and never came home,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “This bill won’t erase these tragic and heartbreaking losses, but it will ensure their memory, and the memories of all our fallen officers, travel with the families who carry it every day. I’m grateful to Chair Rodrigues, Chair Crighton, and Senator Mark for their advocacy on this legislation, and to our colleagues in the House of Representatives for getting this to the Governor’s desk.”

“This bill is about recognizing the sacrifice made by the families of fallen law enforcement officers,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “By making license plates available to the spouses, parents, and children of law enforcement who were killed in the line of duty, Massachusetts is ensuring that the legacy of those who gave their lives in service to our communities is never forgotten. I would like to thank Chairman Arciero, Chairman Walsh, and our partners in the Senate for their work in getting this important bill to the Governor’s desk for her signature.”

“Growing up in a law enforcement family, I know that when an officer puts on the uniform, their entire family shares in that commitment to public service. We can never fully repay the families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty, but we can ensure their sacrifice is always remembered. This Blue Star Family license plate is a lasting tribute to the heroes we have lost and a visible reminder that the Commonwealth stands with the spouses, parents, and children who carry their loved one’s legacy forward every day. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” said Representative Jessica Ann Giannino (D-Revere).

“I am honored to have worked with my colleagues to enact a specialty license plate available to the families of fallen police officers. This seemingly small gesture is an important recognition of the amazing sacrifice made by the fallen and their families. As the bible says, ‘Greater love than this hath no man than he lay down his life for a friend,’” said Representative Jeffrey Rosario Turco (D-Winthrop).

“Honoring the law enforcement officers we have lost in the line of duty with the Blue Star Families plate is a meaningful way for their loved ones to carry on their memory,” said Senator Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. “I was proud to join my colleagues in voting for this legislation, and I am thankful to the entire law enforcement community, especially our Blue Star Families, for their sacrifices.”

“Blue Star Families have endured the unimaginable loss of a child, spouse, parent, or sibling in the line of duty,” said Representative James Arciero (D-Westford), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. “While no symbol can fully express the gratitude owed to our fallen heroes and their loved ones, this legislation stands as a lasting commitment that their sacrifice and service will never be forgotten. Thank you to House Speaker Mariano, Chairman Michlewitz and Representative Walsh for their leadership on this bill to honor the Commonwealth’s Blue Star Families.”

Under the legislation, the RMV would be required to make the plates available to Blue Star spouses, parents, and children without charge. The RMV would also be able to offer vanity plate registrations for Blue Star plates up to six characters in length.

The Blue Star Family license plates would join other special recognition plates currently offered by the RMV, including Gold Star Family plates for drivers with close family members who died as a result of their service in the armed forces.

Having passed the Legislature, the bill was sent to Governor Maura Healey and was signed into law on 7/15/2026.