The financial structure outlined in H1619 allows for the collection of annual use fees from the sale of the license plates. Initially, these fees will be retained by the department until the startup costs related to the development and issuance of the plates are recovered. After the initial costs are recouped, the funds collected will be distributed to selected organizations involved in diabetes research, indicating a commitment to enhancing supported diabetes research in Florida.
Summary
House Bill 1619 introduces a specialty license plate dedicated to the cause of curing diabetes. Specifically, it mandates the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to develop a 'Cure Diabetes' license plate that will feature the words 'Cure Diabetes' prominently at the bottom, along with the word 'Florida' at the top. This initiative aims to raise awareness about diabetes and provide a funding mechanism for diabetes research through the sale of these plates.
Contention
Among the main points of contention surrounding H1619 may be the choice of organizations for fund allocation. The bill specifies three organizations from which the purchaser can choose to receive funding: the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, or the University of Florida Diabetes Institute. This selective funding route may lead to discussions about equity in funding and the sufficiency of the designated organizations in driving diabetes research effectively.