SB 61

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 license 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. Current law provides that

specific enumeration in state law of authorized special groups is limited to those

special groups enumerated before October 2, 1998.

This bill establishes an authorized special group specifically enumerated in

state law for persons interested in obtaining special plates expressing their

enthusiasm for hunting and fishing for sport and recreation in 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 and a $15 annual fee that is

deposited in the conservation fund to be used by the Department of Natural

Resources for the management of the fish and wildlife resources of this state. The

bill specifies the design of the special group plates, which must include a picture of

a white-tailed deer and a nature scene in the background. However, DOT may issue

the special group plates only if DOT receives, prior to June 30, 2013, contributions

at least equal to the initial costs of production of the plates from interested persons

to cover DOT's costs of implementation, and, if sufficient contributions are received,

only after DOT has completed the development work necessary for implementation.

If DOT does not receive sufficient contributions by June 30, 2013, DOT must return

all contributions, less a limited transaction fee for costs associated with the return

of contributions. These contributions to DOT may not be applied to any fee

established for the special group plates if DOT subsequently issues the plates.

Current law requires DOT to establish new designs for most vehicle

registration plates, including most special plates, every ten years and to issue the

new plates on a rolling basis as vehicle registrations are renewed by the vehicle

owners. This bill exempts the special plates established under the bill from the

ten-year redesign cycle.