New Jersey Assembly Bill A3735

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/2/22
• Refer: 5/2/22

Caption

Establishes "Become A Nurse" license plates and dedicates fees for nursing scholarships.

Impact

The primary impact of A3735 is the creation of a new financial resource aimed at supporting aspiring nursing students. The funds generated from the license plate fees will be collected in a special, non-lapsing account known as the 'Become A Nurse License Plate Scholarship Fund.' These funds will be utilized exclusively for nursing scholarships, potentially enhancing the workforce of healthcare professionals in New Jersey. Additionally, the creation of this fund aims to raise awareness about the nursing profession and its importance to public health.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3735 proposes the establishment of a special 'Become A Nurse' license plate in New Jersey. The bill mandates the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to issue these plates, which will display an emblem or slogan promoting nursing as a career. In conjunction with the issuance of these plates, the bill introduces an application fee of $50 and an annual renewal fee of $10. The revenues generated from these fees will be directed into a scholarship fund dedicated to supporting nursing education through the New Jersey Department of Health.

Contention

A notable point of contention within A3735 relates to the requirement for a minimum of 500 applications before the plates can be issued. This provision raises concerns about the feasibility of generating enough interest within the community to support the initiative. Furthermore, an organization or donor must contribute funds to cover initial production costs, adding another layer of financial dependence that could delay the implementation of this initiative. Critics may argue that such conditions could hinder the establishment of the license plate program and its intended benefits.

Administrative details

In terms of administrative oversight, the bill also stipulates that the Chief Administrator must annually certify the average cost associated with the production of the license plates. Should these costs exceed the established application fee for two consecutive fiscal years, the administrator has the authority to discontinue the program, further emphasizing the need for careful fiscal management.