LAGUNA NIGUEL

Assemblywoman Patricia C. Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) enjoyed her first legislative victory last week when Gov. Gray Davis signed her bill waiving a fee for special veteran’s license plates. Before the bill passed, only plates recognizing congressional honor winners and prisoners of war were available for free. All other license plates commemorating veterans, such as Pearl Harbor survivors and Purple Heart winners, cost $36.

“I am proud that my first bill signed into law will benefit veterans,” Bates said in a statement released after the bill’s signing. “These award-winning servicemen have distinguished themselves in battle and made great sacrifices for our country.”