New Jersey Senate Bill S1161

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/22
• Refer: 1/31/22

Caption

Changes current system for creation, issuance, administration, and discontinuance of various types of special license plates.

Impact

The bill enhances the oversight role of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) by granting it broad authority to determine whether to continue issuing specific special registration plates. It allows the MVC to cease production and sales of plates that do not meet certain criteria, like a minimum sales threshold or revenue requirements from associated fees. Consequently, organizations sponsoring these plates will face more stringent criteria for maintaining their approval, fostering accountability in the use of special license plates for nonprofit activities.

Summary

S1161 aims to restructure the issuance and administration of special license plates in New Jersey by categorizing them into 'organization plates' and 'dedicated cause plates'. The bill defines 'organization plates' as those bearing the name and identifying graphics of sponsoring organizations, while 'dedicated cause plates' refer to those promoting public health, education, and societal welfare. This new categorization allows sponsoring organizations to apply for dedicated cause plates, while also retaining elements from the existing system that requires MVC approval for the issuance of special plates.

Contention

Some notable points of contention surrounding S1161 involve its potential impact on community organizations that rely on special plates for fundraising. As organizations may find it challenging to meet the criteria specified for maintaining approval for plates, there are concerns that this could limit the financial resources available for causes supported by these plates. Additionally, the authority granted to the MVC raises debates about centralized decision-making versus local control for nonprofit organizations, with some arguing that it may inhibit the ability of local communities to advocate for their causes through these vehicles.