AB 579

Under current law, any group or organization may apply to the Department of

Transportation (DOT) for designation as an authorized special group. If the

application is approved, members of the authorized special group may obtain special

distinguishing registration plates for certain vehicles, including automobiles and

motor homes, that are owned or leased by special group members. A fee, in addition

to the regular registration fee for the particular kind of vehicle, is charged for the

issuance or reissuance of most special plates.

Before October 2, 1998, authorized special groups whose members may obtain

special plates were specifically enumerated in state law. With certain exceptions,

current law provides that specific enumeration in state law of authorized special

groups is limited to those special groups enumerated before October 2, 1998. Current

law recognizes as authorized special groups persons interested in obtaining a special

plate with any of the following University of Wisconsin campuses on it: Eau Claire,

Green Bay, La Crosse, Madison, Milwaukee, Oshkosh, Parkside, Platteville, River

Falls, Stevens Point, Stout, Superior, or Whitewater.

This bill establishes an authorized special group specifically enumerated in

state law for persons interested in expressing their support for Marquette University

and their appreciation of the many benefits Marquette University and its thousands

of alumni confer on this state. In addition to the regular vehicle registration fee,

special group members are required to pay a $15 fee for issuance or reissuance of the

special plates. DOT may commence development work, and thereafter issue, these

special plates only if DOT receives contributions from Marquette University or other

interested persons in the amount of the initial costs of production of these special

plates or $11,800, whichever is less, to cover DOT's costs of implementation.