Providing for the route 66 association of Kansas distinctive license plate.
The bill requires applicants to pay a royalty fee between $25 and $100 to the Route 66 Association of Kansas for the use of their logo on the license plates. This fee will be collected by the county treasurer, and owners must ensure they pay the annual royalty to keep their registration active. If the royal payment is not made, applicants will need to comply with existing laws governing vehicle registration in Kansas and return their license plates. This creates a new economic mechanism for supporting the Route 66 Association through vehicle registration.
Senate Bill 98, introduced by Senator Shallenburger, is an act concerning motor vehicles in Kansas, specifically aimed at establishing a distinctive license plate associated with the Route 66 Association of Kansas. Starting January 1, 2026, Kansas residents who own or lease passenger vehicles or trucks weighing 20,000 pounds or less will be eligible to obtain this unique license plate provided they comply with the bill's requirements, including the payment of a logo use royalty.
While the bill may foster a sense of community and nostalgia through the Route 66 emblem, concerns may arise regarding the additional financial burden it places on vehicle owners to maintain a distinctive plate. Moreover, there might be discussions about whether the fee structure is equitable compared to existing license plate options in Kansas. Additionally, the provision that allows the state to share personal vehicle registration information with the Route 66 Association could raise privacy concerns among some constituents, potentially leading to debates about transparency and data privacy.