Special registration plates providing admission to state parks and recreation areas and making an appropriation. (FE)

The bill establishes an authorized special group specifically enumerated in state law for persons interested in obtaining special plates expressing support for state parks. The bill provides that, in addition to the regular vehicle registration fee, special group members are required to make a voluntary payment for issuance or reissuance of the special plates that is equal to the amount required for an annual vehicle admission receipt issued by the Department of Natural Resources (currently $27.50).

The bill provides that $23,700 of the funds from the voluntary payment are retained by DOT for the initial costs of production of these special plates. After this, the voluntary payment is deposited in the conservation fund for use for state parks, state recreation areas, recreation areas in state forests, and the Bong area lands.

Under current law, vehicles entering state parks or DNR recreational sites are required to display an annual or daily admission receipt. The bill provides that no vehicle admission receipt is required for any vehicle displaying a current state park special registration plate issued by DOT.