New Jersey Assembly Bill A1461

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Makes various changes to current system for approval, issuance, administration, and discontinuance of various types of special license plates.

Impact

The bill gives the Chief Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) enhanced authority to revoke the approval of specialty registration plates. This can happen if a sponsoring organization fails to comply with state law, if fewer than 500 plates are sold within the first operational year, or if the MVC determines it's no longer cost-effective to continue producing a plate. Should a plate be discontinued, allowed actions and revenue aspects are specified, including the ability for sponsoring organizations to solicit donations from registrants of the discontinued plates.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1461 aims to revise the current system regarding the approval, issuance, administration, and discontinuance of various types of special license plates in New Jersey. The bill maintains the existing framework for issuing specialty registration plates to nonprofit organizations but introduces significant changes such as renaming special organizational vehicle registration plates to specialty registration plates and setting specific requirements for sponsoring organizations, including a minimum member count and proof of nonprofit status for a defined period. The adjustments made in the bill ultimately target more stringent guidelines around who can obtain these plates and how they can operate.

Contention

Notably, the ability for the MVC to revoke plate approval and discontinue specific plates without legislative action marks a significant change, inviting possible pushback from organizations that rely on such plates for fundraising. The bill also introduces new fee structures, which are likely to provoke discussion about the financial implications for nonprofits wanting to secure a specialty plate. The prohibition on certain controversial content on plates may also lead to debates about freedom of expression and the scope of regulation over public vehicle messaging.