Authorizes creation of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. license plates.
Impact
Under this bill, no state or public funds are to be utilized for the initial costs of implementing the license plate program. Instead, the fraternity or designated entities will be required to contribute up to $25,000 to cover costs associated with production, issuance, and public promotion of the plates. Furthermore, the bill establishes a non-lapsing fund — the 'Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. License Plate Fund' — where proceeds collected from application and renewal fees will be deposited. These funds will be allocated to support the fraternity's mission-related initiatives.
Summary
Bill A942 proposes the creation and issuance of specialty license plates honoring the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., a historic Greek-letter fraternity for African American men. The bill mandates that the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission issue these plates for registered motor vehicles in the state. Such a measure acknowledges the legacy and contributions of the fraternity, founded in 1906, and aims to foster community pride among its members. This includes designs featuring emblems and slogans that represent the institution's values of scholarship and brotherhood.
Contention
One notable point is the requirement for the fraternity to present a minimum of 500 completed applications, along with necessary funding, before the program can commence. If these conditions are not met within a 12-month period following the enactment of the bill, the measure will lead to the expiration of its provisions. This stipulation has raised discussions about the feasibility of meeting application requirements, which some view as a challenging hurdle but necessary to assure initial interest in the plates.