AB 511

This bill allows the Department of Transportation (DOT) to create motor

vehicle special registration plates expressing support, and providing funding, for the

Boy Scouts of America if the cost of initial production of these plates is covered by

donations. The bill also allows the registration number on special plates to include

up to seven characters.

Under current law, a group or organization that meets certain criteria may

apply to DOT for designation as an authorized special group. If the application is

approved, members of the authorized special group may obtain special registration

plates for certain vehicles, including automobiles and motor homes, that are owned

or leased by special group members. 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. 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. For some special plates, members of the applicable special group pay

an additional fee with each registration renewal that provides funding to a specified

organization, and this additional fee is tax deductible as a charitable contribution to

the extent permitted by law.

This bill establishes an authorized special group specifically enumerated in

state law for persons interested in obtaining special plates expressing support for the

Boy Scouts of America. 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 to annually include payment of $25 that provides funds to the Boy Scouts

of America National Foundation for distribution to local councils located in this state.

The bill requires the special plates to display the words "Scouting Alumni" and, at

the option of the vehicle owner, either a logo or symbol associated with the Boy Scouts

of America or a logo or symbol associated with the Eagle Scouts. DOT may not issue

these special plates until DOT has obtained authority to use any applicable

trademark or service mark associated with the Boy Scouts of America on these

special plates and until DOT receives a contribution from any interested person or

group in the amount of the initial costs of production of these special plates or

$23,700, whichever is less.

Under current law, the identifying letters or numbers (registration number)

appearing on special plates issued to special group members, including personalized

special plates, may not exceed six positions. This bill allows special plates to have

a registration number of up to seven positions.