New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S2365

Introduced
3/24/22  

Caption

Authorizes creation of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. license plates.

Impact

The bill establishes the 'Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. License Plate Fund', where proceeds from the license plate fees will be deposited after deducting administrative costs. This fund is intended to support programs and initiatives associated with the fraternity's mission. The bill highlights the role of private funding, as it demands that no state funds will be allocated for the initial implementation costs, which must be covered by non-public contributions up to $25,000. Moreover, to move forward with the implementation, at least 500 applications for these plates must be submitted.

Summary

Bill S2365 authorizes the creation and issuance of special license plates for the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in New Jersey. This bill allows the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to issue these plates for vehicles registered in the state. The plates will feature words, a slogan, and an emblem dedicated to the fraternity, symbolizing its historical significance and contributions to the African American community. To initiate the program, a fee of $50 is required upon application, which is separate from standard vehicle registration fees, along with a recurring annual fee of $10.

Contention

While the bill promotes the visibility of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, it may face scrutiny regarding the reliance on private funding to offset the costs of designing, producing, and issuing the plates. The requirement for a minimum number of applications is also notable as it imposes a threshold for the license plate program to proceed, potentially limiting its success. Additionally, if the average cost of maintaining the license plate program exceeds the specified amounts, the Chief Administrator has the authority to discontinue the program. This raises questions about fiscal sustainability and the long-term viability of specialty plate initiatives.

Companion Bills

NJ A942

Same As Authorizes creation of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. license plates.

Previously Filed As

NJ A606

Authorizes creation of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. license plates.

NJ A942

Authorizes creation of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. license plates.

NJ S2587

Authorizes issuance of Kappa Alpha Psi license plates.

NJ A5756

Authorizes creation of Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. license plates.

NJ A5758

Authorizes creation of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. license plates.

NJ A978

Authorizes the issuance of Kappa Alpha Psi license plates.

NJ S4471

Authorizes creation of special license plate honoring Phi Beta Sigma and Zeta Phi Beta.

NJ HB151

Special license plates; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; establish

NJ A5355

Authorizes creation of special license plate honoring Phi Beta Sigma and Zeta Phi Beta.

NJ S3481

Authorizes creation of Woman Veteran license plates.

Similar Bills

NJ A2630

Creates special license plates supporting Autism Awareness.

NJ A1029

Creates special license plates supporting Autism Awareness.

NJ A4840

Authorizes creation of Juneteenth commemorative license plates.

NJ S1596

Authorizes creation of Juneteenth commemorative license plates.

NJ A617

Authorizes creation of Juneteenth commemorative license plates.

NJ S2702

Authorizes creation of Juneteenth commemorative license plates.

NJ S2216

Authorizes issuance of special license plates for alumni of four-year public institutions of higher education.

NJ A3071

Authorizes creation of special license plates commemorating horse as State animal.