By Eryn ClementA bill that allows spouses, children and siblings of certain members of the armed forces who died in military service to be eligible for a gold star license plate passed the House Transportation Committee Tuesday.Last year legislation passed to enable not only the parents of the certain members of the armed forces who died in military service for a gold star license plate but spouses as well. This year new legislation expands that to allow children and siblings the opportunity to receive a gold star license plate. Senator Corey Brown is a veteran who recently lost a friend who was a Navy pilot from South Dakota. He says a bill like this is important for military families. “When I take a look at a bill like this where I know that his family will have the opportunity to have a symbol or recognition and be allowed to place that on their vehicles. I think that we as a state owe that to the families of the young men and women who serve to protect our rights,” says Brown.Committee members also discussed including step-children in the legislation and say that may be something brought up next year. Member stations can download audio file here.