Provides relative to Louisiana vehicle license plates (RE INCREASE SG EX See Note)
Impact
If enacted, HB 198 would specifically affect the statutes governing vehicle licensing in Louisiana, adding an additional requirement to the existing law. The changes would apply to personal vehicles as well as trucks, imposing the new requirement for all new registrations after January 1, 2022. This adjustment is expected to streamline how information about Louisiana's tourism is integrated into vehicle registration processes and potentially increase the state's tourism presence through everyday vehicle interactions.
Summary
House Bill 198 seeks to amend existing regulations concerning vehicle license plates in Louisiana by mandating the inclusion of the Louisiana tourism website, 'LouisianaTravel.com', on all new license plates issued. This bill modifies previous laws by reestablishing the requirement that the Department of Public Safety and Corrections must propose a uniform design for state license plates, with a deadline set for July 1, 2021. The aim of this legislation is to promote tourism by embedding the tourism website directly into the daily lives of drivers, thereby enhancing statewide visibility of Louisiana's travel offerings.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HB 198 appears to be largely positive, as it aligns with promotional efforts to boost tourism in Louisiana. Many legislators and stakeholders view the incorporation of the tourism website on license plates as a proactive marketing strategy that reflects state pride in its tourism assets. The bill received unanimous support during its final passage, indicating a collaborative effort to enhance Louisiana's marketing through practical means.
Contention
While the overall sentiment may be supportive, potential points of contention could involve concerns regarding additional administrative burdens on the Department of Public Safety and Corrections related to the implementation of new design specifications. Furthermore, there may be discussions about the appropriateness of using state-issued license plates for promotional purposes, debating the balance between governmental functions and marketing endeavors. However, these concerns did not appear to significantly hinder the bill's progress.
Provides for a special prestige license plate to bear the international symbol of accessibility and one for "Upside Downs". (1/1/19) (EN SEE FISC NOTE SG EX See Note)
Establishes a state and local sales and use tax exemption for certain antique motor vehicles and increases the fee for issuance of special license plates for those vehicles (EN DECREASE GF RV See Note)
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.