HB 324: Special Group License Plate Amendments - Utah

Amended 2/27/2025 12:02:735 → Substitute #1 · 10 edits

MAJOR

This substitute bill shifts focus from historical support license plates to state agency support plates, imposing a $500,000 cap on revenue that state agencies can receive from these plates. Excess revenue above the cap must go to the Transportation Investment Fund, and up to $3.5 million may be transferred to the General Fund in FY 2026. The bill also adds a new section creating a Sponsored Special Group License Plate Fund and removes the historical support plate allocation provisions from the previous version.

Scope change

The bill's scope changed from primarily addressing historical support special group license plates to focusing on state agency support special group license plates with new funding caps and allocation rules.

FISCAL

Added a $500,000 cap on revenue that can be distributed to sponsoring state agencies from special group license plate fees.

Added requirement that revenue exceeding the $500,000 cap be deposited into the Transportation Investment Fund of 2005.

Added provision allowing transfer of up to $3,500,000 from state agency support license plate revenues to the General Fund for FY 2026 only.

Removed the historical support special group license plate allocation provisions that previously allocated $2 to the Utah State Historical Society and $23 to the Transportation Investment Fund of 2005.

DEFINITION

Added new Section 41-1a-1610 creating the Sponsored Special Group License Plate Fund to manage required contributions.

Removed the definition of 'vintage vehicle' that excluded the requirement regarding the type of license plate to be displayed.

REQUIREMENT

Modified the affected Utah Code sections from 41-1a-1601 through 41-1a-1608 to 41-1a-418 and 41-1a-1610, changing the statutory framework for license plate revenue distribution.

Removed the requirement for the Motor Vehicle Division to provide notice regarding historical support license plate allocations and the State Tax Commission to provide reports on special group license plates.

ELIGIBILITY

Removed provisions allowing contributions for collegiate special group license plates to be used for student athlete compensation for name, image, or likeness.

TIMELINE

Changed the effective date section reference from Section 11 to Section 4, though the effective date of July 1, 2025 remains the same.

Amended 2/19/2025 10:02:53 → Amended 2/27/2025 12:02:735 · 8 edits

MODERATE

This bill amends Utah's special group license plate laws to change how revenue from historical support plates is allocated, allow two plates to be issued for an additional fee, permit corporate brand sponsorship, and update definitions of vintage vehicles. The changes affect how money from these plates is distributed, who qualifies for certain plates, and how the program is administered.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of special group license plates to include corporate brand sponsorship and allows individuals to request two plates for an additional fee, while also modifying the definition of vintage vehicles to remove specific plate display requirements.

FISCAL

Revenue from historical support special group license plates will now be allocated $2 to the Utah State Historical Society and $23 to the Transportation Investment Fund of 2005, with a one-time $3.5 million transfer to the General Fund for FY 2026.

REQUIREMENT

The Motor Vehicle Division must provide public notice on its website and in email notifications about how voluntary contributions from historical support license plates are allocated.

Contributions for collegiate special group license plates may now be used for student athlete compensation related to name, image, or likeness rights.

The State Tax Commission is now required to provide a report regarding special group license plates.

ELIGIBILITY

Vintage vehicles are no longer required to make voluntary contributions to obtain a historical support special group license plate.

Individuals may now request a set of two license plates for an additional fee, and corporate brand sponsorship is now allowed for special group license plates.

DEFINITION

The definition of 'vintage vehicle' was amended to exclude the requirement regarding the type of license plate that must be displayed.

TIMELINE

New provisions take effect on July 1, 2025, allowing individuals to request two plates until December 31, 2025.

Amended Excerpts 2/27/2025 12:02:735 → Amended 2/19/2025 10:02:53 · 7 edits

MODERATE

This bill amends Utah's special group license plate laws to change how revenue from historical support plates is allocated, modify contribution requirements for vintage vehicles, and update reporting obligations. The changes affect how money from these plates is distributed between sponsoring agencies and state funds, and clarify eligibility rules for vehicle owners.

Scope change

The bill expands applicability to include a one-time transfer of funds related to historical support license plates and modifies the definition of vintage vehicles to exclude certain contribution requirements.

FISCAL

Changed allocation of revenue from historical support special group license plates to split funds between the sponsoring agency and the Transportation Investment Fund of 2005.

Established a one-time transfer of funds related to the support special group license plate program.

ELIGIBILITY

Exempted vintage vehicles from the requirement to make voluntary contributions to obtain a historical support special group license plate.

REQUIREMENT

Added requirement for Motor Vehicle Division to provide public notice regarding money allocation from historical support license plates.

DEFINITION

Amended the definition of a vintage vehicle to exclude the requirement regarding the type of vehicle that is an existing special group license plate.

TIMELINE

Added requirement for State Tax Commission to provide annual reports on license plate allocations by November 1 each year.

TECHNICAL

Made technical changes to bill structure and formatting.

Amended Excerpts 2/19/2025 10:02:53 → Amended Excerpts 2/27/2025 12:02:735 · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was renumbered from the 2nd to 4th Subcommittee version and the amendment date was updated from February 19 to February 27, 2025. The substantive changes allow special group license plate funds to be used for charitable purposes, clarify rules when multiple license plates consolidate under one organization, and establish reporting requirements for the State Tax Commission.

Scope change

The bill's scope regarding special group license plates was expanded to permit charitable use of funds and added consolidation rules for multiple license plate types.

FISCAL

Added provision allowing special group license plate programs to use collected funds for charitable purposes.

REQUIREMENT

New requirement that organizations consolidating multiple license plate types must comply with Section 41-1a-1604 before creating new special group license plate types.

ENFORCEMENT

State Tax Commission must provide an annual report on or before November 1 each year regarding special group license plate programs.

TECHNICAL

Bill renumbered from 2nd Sub. to 4th Sub. and amendment date updated from February 19, 2025 to February 27, 2025.

Enrolled → Amended Excerpts 2/19/2025 10:02:53 · 2 edits

MINOR

This amendment reorganizes and clarifies the text of HB 324 regarding special group license plates, primarily fixing line numbering and renumbering sections to correct a formatting error where a new provision was inserted out of sequence. The substantive policy content regarding funding, eligibility, and definitions remains unchanged from the enrolled version.

TECHNICAL

Reordered and renumbered sections to correct a formatting error where a new provision regarding voluntary contributions for vintage vehicles was inserted in the middle of a different provision, disrupting the logical flow of the statute.

Adjusted line numbers and section references to reflect the corrected text structure, ensuring the bill text is properly formatted for legislative record.

Substitute #5 → Substitute #6 · 9 edits

MAJOR

This bill amends Utah's special group license plate laws to allow individuals to request sets of two license plates for an additional fee, introduce corporate brand and major league sports team sponsored plates, and adjust funding allocations for historical support plates. It also modifies definitions for vintage vehicles and requires the Motor Vehicle Division to design and distribute a white, classic license plate.

Scope change

The bill expands the types of special group license plates available to include corporate brands and major league sports teams, and broadens eligibility for two-plate sets beyond just commercial vehicles.

ELIGIBILITY

Allows individuals to request a set of two license plates for an additional fee, expanding options for vehicle owners.

Permits issuance of corporate brand sponsored special group license plates and special group license plates for major league sports teams.

FISCAL

Allocates revenue from historical support special group license plates to both the sponsoring agency and the Transportation Investment Fund of 2005.

Allows contributions for collegiate special group license plates to be used for student athlete name, image, or likeness compensation.

DEFINITION

Amends the definition of a vintage vehicle to exclude the requirement regarding the type of license plate that must be displayed.

REQUIREMENT

Requires the Motor Vehicle Division to design and distribute a white, classic license plate.

Requires the State Tax Commission to provide a report regarding special group license plates to the Revenue and Taxation Interim Committee.

ENFORCEMENT

Allows consolidation of license plate types to meet minimum circulation requirements and provides procedures for discontinuing low-circulation plates.

TECHNICAL

Makes technical changes to code sections and adds a new section for FY 2026 appropriations of $3,500,000 from the General Fund.

Substitute #4 → Substitute #5 · 9 edits

MAJOR

This bill amends Utah's special group license plate laws to allow individuals to request two license plates for a fee, introduce corporate brand plates for sports teams, adjust funding allocations for historical support plates, and update definitions for vintage vehicles. The changes expand options for license plate holders while clarifying how funds are distributed and what qualifies for special plates.

Scope change

The bill expands the types of special group license plates available (adding corporate brand and major league sports team options) and modifies eligibility criteria for vintage vehicles and historical support plates.

ELIGIBILITY

Allows individuals to request a set of two license plates for an additional fee.

Permits corporate brand sponsored special group license plates, including those for major league sports teams.

Exempts vintage vehicles from the voluntary contribution requirement to obtain a historical support special group license plate.

Allows collegiate special group license plate contributions to be used for student athlete name, image, or likeness compensation.

FISCAL

Changes allocation of money from historical support special group license plates to split between the sponsoring agency and the Transportation Investment Fund of 2005.

DEFINITION

Amends the definition of vintage vehicle to remove the requirement specifying which type of license plate must be displayed.

REQUIREMENT

Requires the State Tax Commission to provide annual reports on special group license plate revenue and circulation data.

Allows consolidation of license plate types to meet minimum circulation requirements.

TECHNICAL

Makes technical changes to commercial vehicle plate issuance language and formatting.

Substitute #3 → Substitute #4 · 9 edits

MAJOR

This bill amends Utah's special group license plate laws to change how money from historical support plates is allocated, allow corporate and collegiate sponsorships, permit two plates for vehicles upon request, and modify the definition of vintage vehicles. It also adds reporting requirements and appropriates $3.5 million for fiscal year 2026.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of special group license plates to include corporate brand sponsorships and collegiate programs, and adds new sections for two-plate requests and reporting requirements.

FISCAL

Added $3,500,000 appropriation from the General Fund for fiscal year 2026

Changed allocation of historical support plate contributions to $2 for Utah State Historical Society and $23 for Transportation Investment Fund of 2005

ELIGIBILITY

Allows corporate brand sponsored special group license plates

Allows collegiate special group license plate contributions to be used for student athlete compensation

REQUIREMENT

Requires Motor Vehicle Division to provide notice on website and email about historical support plate allocation

Allows individuals to request a set of two license plates for an additional fee

Requires State Tax Commission to provide report regarding special group license plates

DEFINITION

Amended vintage vehicle definition to exclude requirement regarding type of license plate to be displayed

TIMELINE

Effective date remains July 1, 2025 with special provisions for notice requirements

Substitute #2 → Substitute #3 · 6 edits

MODERATE

This bill modifies how money from the historical support special group license plate is allocated, removes the requirement for vintage vehicle owners to make voluntary contributions to obtain the plate, and updates the definition of a vintage vehicle to no longer require a specific license plate type. The bill also adjusts application procedures and fee structures for sponsored license plates.

Scope change

The bill expands eligibility by removing the requirement for vintage vehicle owners to make voluntary contributions to obtain a historical support special group license plate, and clarifies the definition of vintage vehicles.

FISCAL

Changed the allocation of voluntary contributions from the historical support special group license plate to split $2 to the Utah State Historical Society and $23 to the Transportation Investment Fund of 2005, effective July 1, 2025.

Removed the one-time transfer of $3,500,000 from the Sponsored Special Group License Plate Fund to the General Fund for fiscal year 2026.

ELIGIBILITY

Exempted vintage vehicle owners from the requirement to make voluntary contributions to obtain a historical support special group license plate.

DEFINITION

Amended the definition of a vintage vehicle to remove the requirement that it must display a specific type of license plate, allowing more vehicles to qualify.

REQUIREMENT

Changed the reference in application requirements from Subsection (4) to Subsection (3) regarding preorder applications for new special group license plates.

TECHNICAL

Made technical corrections to formatting and cross-references in the bill text.

Substitute #1 → Substitute #2 · 6 edits

MODERATE

This bill amends Utah's special group license plate laws to change how revenue is allocated for historical support plates, adds a notice requirement for the Motor Vehicle Division, and makes technical updates to related sections. The changes affect how money from these specialty plates is distributed between sponsoring agencies and state funds.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope by adding a new code section (41-1a-1603) that was not in the original version, and modifies the definition of vintage vehicles to remove requirements about license plate display types.

FISCAL

Changed the allocation rules for historical support special group license plate revenue, directing money to both sponsoring agencies and the Transportation Investment Fund of 2005 instead of the previous structure.

REQUIREMENT

Added a requirement for the Motor Vehicle Division to provide notice regarding how money from historical support special group license plates is allocated.

TIMELINE

Added a one-time transfer of funds related to support special group license plates.

ELIGIBILITY

Changed the rules so that vintage vehicles are no longer required to make a voluntary contribution to obtain a historical support special group license plate.

DEFINITION

Amended the definition of a vintage vehicle to exclude the requirement regarding the type of license plate that must be displayed.

TECHNICAL

Added a new code section 41-1a-1603 covering application requirements, fees, contributions, and rulemaking for sponsored special group license plates.

Introduced → Enrolled · 10 edits · Mar 26, 2025

MAJOR

HB 324 significantly expanded special group license plate programs in Utah, adding new plate types for major league sports teams and corporate brands, allowing two-plate sets for an additional fee, and creating a white classic license plate. The bill also changed how revenue from historical support plates is allocated, permitting contributions for collegiate plates to support student athlete compensation, and updated the vintage vehicle definition to remove license plate type requirements. These changes aim to increase revenue options for state agencies and support specific community interests while maintaining a $300,000 cap on agency disbursements from state agency-sponsored plates.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded from primarily focusing on disability, vintage, farm truck, and collegiate plates to include major league sports teams and corporate brand sponsorship options, while also adding new plate types and modifying existing program rules.

ELIGIBILITY

Added eligibility for major league sports teams and corporate brands to obtain special group license plates

Allows contributions for collegiate special group license plates to be used for student athlete compensation for name, image, or likeness use

REQUIREMENT

Requires Motor Vehicle Division to design and distribute a white, classic license plate

Allows individuals to request a set of two license plates for an additional fee

Requires Motor Vehicle Division to provide notice regarding allocation of money from historical support special group license plates

Requires State Tax Commission to provide a report regarding special group license plates

FISCAL

Changed allocation rules for historical support special group license plate revenue to include allocation to Transportation Investment Fund of 2005

Appropriates $3,500,000 in expendable funds from the General Fund for fiscal year 2026

DEFINITION

Amended vintage vehicle definition to exclude the requirement regarding the type of license plate to be displayed

TECHNICAL

Makes various technical changes to license plate registration and issuance procedures

Special Group License Plate Amendments

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