SB 445

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.

This bill establishes an authorized special group specifically enumerated in

state law for persons interested in obtaining special plates supporting Shriners

Hospitals for Children. 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 $25 annual fee that provides funds to Shriners Hospitals for Children

for the benefit of the Shriners Hospital for Children - Chicago and the Shriners

Hospital for Children - Minneapolis. The bill requires the special plates to display

a logo or image associated with Shriners Hospitals for Children and the words

"Shriners ... Helping Kids." However, DOT may not issue these special plates until

DOT has obtained authority to use any applicable trademark or service mark

associated with Shriners Hospitals for Children on these special plates.