Authorizes creation of "250th Anniversary Revolutionary War" license plates.
To obtain these special license plates, applicants must pay a fee of $50 upon application and an annual renewal fee of $10. These funds will be directed to the newly created '250th Anniversary Revolutionary War License Plate Fund,' which is dedicated to the preservation and support of Revolutionary War sites throughout New Jersey. The allocation of these funds is intended to create a sustainable source of revenue for historical preservation efforts, thereby impacting state laws regarding funding and support for cultural heritage.
Assembly Bill A5176 seeks to establish special license plates in New Jersey to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolutionary War. The bill mandates that the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) create these plates, which will feature thematic designs that represent this significant historical event. The design process will include consultation with the New Jersey Historical Commission, ensuring that the plates reflect an accurate representation of the war's heritage.
A significant aspect of the bill is its stipulation that no state or public funds will be utilized to cover the initial costs associated with the creation of the license plates. Instead, these costs must be offset by non-public contributions, capped at $25,000 from the Historical Commission. This creates a reliance on private donations and community applications, which must total at least 500 for the program to commence. This requirement may lead to debates regarding the feasibility and initial community interest in such plates, as it places an emphasis on civic engagement for the program's launch.
The bill also includes provisions for the potential discontinuation of the plates if the average cost of production exceeds the application fee for two consecutive fiscal years, making it a financially self-regulating program. These measures aim to ensure that the license plate initiative remains viable and beneficial, aligning with public interest without imposing additional burdens on state finances.