AB 893

This bill allows persons interested in expressing their support for state parks

to obtain special registration plates that provide admission into state parks and

recreation areas.

Under current law, members of certain designated special groups may obtain

from the Department of Transportation special registration plates for certain

vehicles 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.

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.