TRENTON, NJ — The New Jersey Assembly has passed a new bill that would recognize members of the U.S. Coast Guard through a special license plate. The bill, introduced by Assemblyman Erik Simonsen (R-Cape May), was approved Friday and aims to honor both active and honorably discharged Coast Guard members, as well as their spouses and parents.

Rep. Simonsen emphasized that every member of the Coast Guard has at some point been a resident of New Jersey, as Cape May is the site of the only U.S. Coast Guard recruit training center in the country. He emphasized the profound impact the Coast Guard has on the county's schools, communities and cultural life. “This license plate is a token of our gratitude for their service to this nation, our coasts and our waterways,” Simonsen said.

In addition to playing an important role as a training facility for all Coast Guard members, Cape May welcomes over 4,000 new recruits each year. With the passage of the bill, New Jersey can officially recognize the Coast Guard's significant contribution to state and national security.

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, which already offers nearly 100 different specialty and specialty license plates, will add the Coast Guard plate to its list. This move further supports various causes and recognizes military service and first responders across the state.