(a) The purpose of this section is to honor the family members of a deceased service member.

(b) The Department of Finance and Administration is authorized to issue one (1) Gold Star Family special license plate to an applicant who establishes upon initial application that he or she is a family member of a deceased service member.

(c) There is no cost for the issuance or renewal of the Gold Star Family special license plate under this section.

(d)

(1) The Department of Finance and Administration shall design the special license plates issued under this section as provided under this subsection.

(2) The design of the Gold Star Family special license plate shall include a large gold star on the left-hand side of the special license plate and a decal at the bottom of the plate that states "Gold Star Family" in lieu of the legend "The Natural State" or any succeeding legend.

(e) A Gold Star Family special license plate is not transferable as provided under § 27-24-207.

(f) The registration of a special license plate under this section may continue from year to year so long as it is renewed each year within the time and manner required by law.

(g) A family member applying for a Gold Star Family special license plate authorized by subsection (b) of this section shall provide the Department of Finance and Administration with:

(1) Evidence of the receipt of a Gold Star lapel button issued by the United States Department of Defense under 10 U.S.C. § 1126; or

(2) A copy of the final Leave and Earnings Statement issued to the deceased service member showing that he or she was entitled to:

(A) Hardship duty pay;

(B) Hostile fire pay; or

(C) Imminent danger pay.

(h) As used in this section:

(1) "Deceased service member" means a member of the United States Armed Forces who died while serving in:

(A) An area of conflict recognized by the United States Department of Defense; or

(B) A location that entitles the deceased service member to:

(i) Hardship duty pay;

(ii) Hostile fire pay; or

(iii) Imminent danger pay; and

(2) "Family member" means a spouse, parent, sibling, or child of a member of the United States Armed Forces.