Two bills sponsored by Senator Anthony Bucco (R-25) to exempt prisoners of war, and veterans who have lost a limb or their vision in the line of duty, from certain motor vehicle and toll fees have passed the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

More than 10 percent of New Jersey veterans have a service-connected disability rating, according to the 2014 US Census data.

“Our veterans put their lives on the line to protect and defend everything we as Americans hold dear,” Bucco said. “Former Prisoners of War and disabled vets served our country bravely – now it’s our turn to help them. Exempting these heroes from motor vehicle fees and Turnpike tolls is a small way to show our gratitude for their selfless service to our country.”

Bucco’s first bill, S-2015, would waive Motor Vehicle Commission fees for those who have served in the Armed Forces or National Guard and were held as a POW during any armed conflict.

The bill would also require the Chief Administrator of the MVC to issue special license plates with the “POW” markings and a registration number for both the POW and a surviving spouse.

His second bill, S-2800, would exempt veterans who have lost a limb or their sight during military service from paying for motor vehicle registration fees or tolls on any New Jersey Turnpike or South Jersey Turnpike highway.

There were more than 120,000 American Prisoners of War during World War II, 7,100 during the Korean War, 766 during the Vietnam War, and 23 during the Persian Gulf War, according to the National Park Service.

“Helping those who served our country must continue to be a legislative priority,” Senator Bucco added. “Disabled veterans and POWs face enormous physical, emotional and financial challenges. They shouldn’t have to worry about paying fees at the MVC on top of everything else. I hope that this bill will give them some relief.”