Req. No. 11370 Page 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 STATE OF OKLAHOMA 2nd Session of the 58th Legislature (2022) COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR ENGROSSED SENATE BILL NO. 1300 By: Rader of the Senate and Pfeiffer of the House COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE An Act relating to license plates; amending 47 O.S. 2021, Section 1135.1, as last amende d by Section 3, Chapter 276, O.S.L. 2021 , which relates to special license plates; providing exception to combined registration period for certain special license plate; requiring combination of registration period and fee remittance with physically disabled license plate; requiring the Oklahoma Tax Commission to promulgate rules; prohibiting alteration of certain apportionment; amending 47 O.S. 2021, Sections 1135.2 and 1135.4, as last amended by Sections 4 and 6, Chapter 276, O.S.L. 2021, which relate to official special license plates and personalized license plates; requiring the Oklahoma Tax Commission to send renewal notification by electronic mail; providing exception if no electronic mail address is provided; and providing an effecti ve date. BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA: Req. No. 11370 Page 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 SECTION 1. AMENDATORY 47 O.S. 2021, Section 1135. 1, as last amended by Section 3, Chapter 276, O.S.L. 2021, is amended to read as follows: Section 1135.1 A. The Oklahoma Tax Commission is hereby authorized to design and issue appropriate official special lic ense plates to persons as provid ed by this section. Special license plates shall not be transferred to any other person but shall be removed from the vehicle upon transfer of ownership and retained. The special license plate may then be used on another vehicle but only after such other vehicle has been registered for the current year. Except as provided in subsection B of this section, special license plates shall be renewed each year by the Tax Commission or a motor license agent. The Tax Commission shal l annually notify by mail all persons issued special license plates. The notice sha ll contain all necessary information and shall contain instructions for the renewal procedure upon presentation to a motor license agent or the Tax Commission. The license plates shall be issued on a staggered system. The motor license agent fees shall b e paid out of the Oklahoma Tax Commission Reimbursement Fund. On and after January 1, 2022, if a special license plate is issued pursuant to this section, except for Legislative License Plates issued pursuant to paragraph 30 of subsection B of Section 1135.2 of this title, any registration fee required for such plate Req. No. 11370 Page 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 pursuant to this section and the fee required pursuant to Section 1132 of this title shall be remitted at the s ame time and subject to a single registration period. The Oklahoma Tax Commission shall determine, by rule, a method for making required fee and registration period adjustments if a special license plate is obtained during a twelve -month period for which a registration fee has already been remitted pursuant to Section 1132 of this titl e. The combination of fees in a single remittance shall not alter the apportionment otherwise provided for in this section. On and after January 1, 2022, if a physically dis abled license plate is issued pursuant to paragraph 3 of subsection B of this section, any registration fee required for such plate pursuant to this section and the fee required pursuant to Section 1132 of this title shall be remitted at the same time and subject to a single registration period. The Oklahoma Tax Commission shall determ ine, by rule, a method for making required fee and registration period adjustments when a physically disabled license plate is obtained during a twelve-month period for which a registration fee has already been remitted pursuant to Section 1132 of this tit le. The combination of fees in a single remittance shall not alter the apportionment otherwise provided for in this section. B. The special license plates provided by this section are as follows: Req. No. 11370 Page 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 1. Political Subdivision Plates - such plates shall be de signed for any vehicle owned by any political subdivision of this state having obtained a proper Oklahoma certificate of title. Such political subdivisions shall file an ann ual report with the Tax Commission stating the agency where such vehicle is locate d. Such license plates shall be permanent in nature and designed in such a manner as to remain with the vehicle for the duration of the life span of the vehicle or until the title is transferred to an own er who is not a political subdivision. The registration fee shall be Eight Dollars ($8.00) and shall be in addition to all other registration fees provided by law, except the registration fees levied by Section 1132 of this t itle; 2. Tax-Exempt or Nonprofit License Plates - such plates shall be designed for: a. any motor bus, manufactured home, or mobile chapel and power unit owned and operated by a religious corporation or society of this state holding a valid exemption from taxation issued pursuant to Se ction 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C ., Section 501(a), and listed as an exempt organization in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, 26 U.S.C., Section 501(c)(3), and that is used by the corporation or society solely fo r the furtherance of its religious functions, Req. No. 11370 Page 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 b. any vehicle owned and operated only by nonprofit organizations devoted exclusively to youth programs including, but not limited to, the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of America, c. any vehicle, except passenger automobiles, owned or operated by nonprofit organi zations actually involved in programs for the employment of the handicapped and used exclusively in the transportation of goods or materials for such organization, d. any vehicle owned and operated by a no nprofit organization that provides older persons transportation to and from medical, dental and religious services and relief from business and social isolation, e. any vehicle owned and operated by a private nonprofit organization that: (1) warehouses and distributes surplus foods to other nonprofit agencies and organizations, and (2) holds a valid exemption from taxation issued pursuant to Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, 26 U.S.C., Section 501(c), and listed as an exempt organizat ion in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Co de, as amended, and Req. No. 11370 Page 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 (3) uses such vehicle exclusively for the transportation of such surplus foods, f. any vehicle which: (1) is owned and operated by a private, nonprofit organization which is exempt from taxation pursuant to the provisions of Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C., Section 501(c)(3), and which is primarily funded by a fraternal or civic service organization with at least one hundred local chapters or clubs, and (2) is designed and used to provide mobile health screening services to the general public at no cost to the recipient, and for which no reimbursement of any kind is received from any health insurance provider, health maintenance organization or governmental progr am, or g. any vehicle owned and operated by the Civ il Air Patrol, a congressionally chartered corporation that also serves an auxiliary of the United States Air Force and which is exempt from taxation pursuant to the provisions of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C., Section 501(c)(3) , and is used exclusively for its corporate missions of aerospace education, cadet programs and emergency Req. No. 11370 Page 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 services. Such license plates shall be permanent in nature and designed in such a manner as to rem ain with the vehicle for the duration of the life s pan of the vehicle or until the title to such vehicle is transferred to an owner who is not subject to this exemption. Such vehicles shall be exempt from the registration fees levied under Section 1132 of this title, except that an initial registration fe e of Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) shall apply to each vehicle. Any person claiming to be eligible for a tax -exempt or nonprofit license plate under the provisions of this par agraph must have the name of the tax-exempt or nonprofit organization prominently displayed upon the outside of the vehicle, except those vehicles registered pursuant to the provisions of subparagraph b of this paragraph, unless such display is prohibited by federal or state law or by state agency rules. No vehicle shall be licensed as a tax- exempt or nonprofit vehicle unless the vehicle has affixed on each side thereof, in letters not less than two (2) inches high and two (2) inches wide, the name of the tax-exempt or nonprofit organization or the insignia or other symbol of such organ ization which shall be of sufficient size, shape and color as to be readily legible during daylight hours from a distance of fifty (50) feet while the vehicle is not in motio n. Req. No. 11370 Page 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Except as provided in subpar agraph g of this paragraph, the registration fee shall be Eight Dollars ($8.00) and shall be in addition to all other registration fees provided by law, except the registration fees levied by Section 1132 of this title; 3. Physically Disabled License Plat es - such plates shall be designed for persons who are eligible for a physically disabled placard under the provisions of Section 15-112 of this title. It shall prominently display the international accessibility symbol, which is a stylized human figure i n a wheelchair. The Tax Commission shall also desi gn physically disabled license plates for motorcycles owned by persons who are eligible for a physically disabled placard pursuant to the provisions of Section 15 -112 of this title. Upon the death of the physically disabled person, the disabled license plate shall be returned to the Tax Commission. There shall be no fee for such plate in addition to the rate provided by the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration Act for the registration of the vehicle. For an additional fee of Ten Dollars ($10.00), a person eligible for a physically disabled license plate shall have the option of purchasing a duplicate physically disabled special license plate which shall be securely attached to the front of the vehicl e. The original physically disabled special licens e plate shall be securely attached to the rear of the vehicle at all times. Req. No. 11370 Page 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Any person who is eligible for a physically disabled license plate and whose vehicle has had modif ications because of the physical disability of the owner or of a family member wit hin the second degree of consanguinity of the owner, may register the vehicle for a flat fee of Twenty -five Dollars ($25.00). This fee shall be in lieu of all other registra tion fees provided by the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration Act; 4. Indian Tribal License Plates - such plates shall be designed for any vehicle of a native American Indian Tribal Association exempted in Sections 201 through 204 of Public Law 97 -473 and used by the tribal association exclusively for the furtherance of its tribal functions. The registration fee shall be Eight Dollars ($8.00) and shall be in addition to all other registration fees provided by law, except the registration fees levied by Section 1132 of this title; 5. Hearing Impaired License Plates - such plates shall be designed for persons who are hearing impaired. Such persons may apply for a hearing-impaired license plate for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less upon the presentme nt of an application on a form furnished by the Tax Commission and certified by a physician holding a valid license to practice pursuant to the licensing provisions of Title 59 of the Oklahoma Statutes, attesting that the per son is hearing impaired. The license plate shall be designed so that such persons may be readily Req. No. 11370 Page 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 identified as being hearing impaired. There shall be no additional fee for the plate, but all other registration fees provided by the Oklahoma Vehicle Licens e and Registration Act shall ap ply; 6. Antique or Classic Vehicles License Plates – such plates shall be designed and issued for any vehicle twenty-five (25) years of age or older, based upon the date of manufacture thereof and which travels on the highwa ys of this state primarily inci dental to historical or exhibition purposes only. The registration fee shall be Eight Dollars ($8.00) and shall be in addition to all other registration fees provided by law, except the registration fees levied by Section 113 2 of this title. Any person registering an antique or classic vehicle may elect t o have the vehicle registered for a ten-year period. The registration fee for the elected ten-year registration shall be Seventy -five Dollars ($75.00). The motor license ag ent registering the antique or classic vehicle for a ten-year period shall receive one hundred percent (100%) of the fees the motor license agent would have otherwise received pursuant to subsection A of Section 1141.1 of this title if the antique or class ic vehicle had been registered on an annual basis; and 7. Honorary Consul License Plates – such plates shall be designed to include the words "Honorary Consul" and issued to persons who are honorary consuls authorized by the United States to perform consular duties. Persons applying f or such license plates Req. No. 11370 Page 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 must show proof of standing as an honorary consul. The fee for such plate shall be Eight Dollars ($8.00) and shall be in addition to all other registration fees required by the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration Act. The own er of the vehicle that possesses such license plates shall return the special license plates to the Oklahoma Tax Commission if the owner disposes of the vehicle during the registration year or ceases to be authorized to perfo rm consular duties. C. Special license plates provided by this section shall be designed in such a manner as to identify the use or ownership of the vehicle. Use of any vehicle possessing a special license plate provided by this section for any purpose n ot specified herein shall be grounds for revocation of the special license plate a nd registration certificate. D. The fees provided by this section shall be deposited in the Oklahoma Tax Commission Reimbursement Fund. SECTION 2. AMENDATORY 47 O.S. 2021, Section 1135.2, as last amended by Section 4, Chapter 276, O.S.L. 2021, is amended to read as follows: Section 1135.2 A. The Oklahoma Tax Commission is hereby authorized to design and issue appropriate official special license plates to persons in recognition of their ser vice or awards as provided by this section. Req. No. 11370 Page 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Special license plates shall n ot be transferred to any other person but shall be removed from the vehicle u pon transfer of ownership and retained. The special license plate may then be used on another vehicle bu t only after such other vehicle ha s been registered for the current year. Special license plates shall be renewed each year by the Tax Commission or a motor license agent. The Tax Commission shall annually notify by mail all persons issued special license plates. The Tax Commission shall send the notifications to the electroni c mail address provided by the person. If a person does not provide an electronic mail address, the Tax Commission shall notify the person by mail. The notice shall contain all nec essary information and shall contain instructions for the renewal procedur e upon presentation to a motor license agent or the Tax Commission. The license plates shall be issued on a staggered system except for legislative plates and amateur radio operator license plates. On and after January 1, 2022, if a special license plate is issued pursuant to this section, any registration fee required for such plate pursuant to this section and the fee required pursuant to Section 1132 of this title shall be remitte d at the same time and subject to a single registration period. The Oklah oma Tax Commission shall determine, by rule, a method for making required fee and registration period adjustments if a special license plate is obtained during a twelve -month period for which a registration Req. No. 11370 Page 13 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 fee has already been remitted pursuant to Section 1132 of this title. The combination of fees in a single remittance shall no t alter the apportionment otherwise provided for in this section. The Tax Commission is hereby directed t o develop and implement a system whereby motor license agents are permitte d to accept applications for special license plates authorized under this section. The motor license agent shall confirm the applicant ’s eligibility, if applicable, collect and depo sit any amount specifically authorized by law, accept and process the nece ssary information directly into such system and generate a receipt accordingly. For performance of these duties, motor license agents shall retain the fee provided in Section 1141.1 of this title for registration of a motor vehicle. The motor license age nt fees for acceptance of applications and renewals shall be paid out of the Oklahoma Tax Commission Reimbursement Fund. B. The special license plates provided by this section are a s follows: 1. Prisoner of War Lic ense Plates - such plates shall be designed for honorably discharged or present members of the United States Armed Forces and civilians who were former prisoners of war held by a foreign country and who can provide proper certification of that status. Suc h persons may apply for a prisoner of wa r license plate for no more than two vehicles with each vehicle having a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less. The surviving Req. No. 11370 Page 14 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 spouse of any deceased former prisoner of war, if the spouse has not since remarried, or if remarried, the remarriage is terminated by death, divorce or annulment, may apply for a prisoner of war l icense plate for one vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less. The fee provided by this section for the special licen se plate authorized by this paragraph sh all be in addition to all other registration fees provided by law, except the registration fees levied by Section 1132 of this title; 2. National Guard License Plates - such plates shall be designed for active or re tired members of the Oklahoma National Guard. Retirees who are eligible for such plates shall provide proof of eligibility upon initial application, but shall not be required to provide proof of eligibility annually; 3. Air National Guard License Plates - such plates shall be designed for active or retired members of the Oklahoma Air National Guard. Retirees who are e ligible for such plates shall provide proof of eligibility upon initial application, but shall not be required to provide proof of eligibil ity annually; 4. United States Armed Fo rces - such plates shall be designed for active, retired, former or reserve m embers of the United States Armed Forces, and shall identify which branch of service, and carry the emblem and name of either the Army, Nav y, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard, according to the branch of service to which the member belongs or did belong. Former members who have been dishonorably Req. No. 11370 Page 15 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 discharged shall not be eligible for such plates. Persons appl ying for such license plate must s how proof of present or past military service by presenting a valid Uniformed Services Identity Card or the United States Department of Defense Form (DD)214 form DD 214. Retired or former members who are eligible for such plates shall provide proof of eli gibility upon initial application, but s hall not be required to provide proof of eligibility annually; 5. Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient License Plates - such plates shall be designed for any resident of this stat e who has been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Such persons may apply for a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient license plate for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less. There shall be no registration fee for the issuance of this plate; 6. Missing In Action License Plates - such plates shall be designed to honor members of the United States Armed Forces who are missing in action. The spouse of such missing person, if the spouse has not since remarried, or if rema rried, the remarriage is terminated by death, divorce or annulment, and ea ch parent of the missing person may apply for a missing in action license plate upon presenting proper certification that the person is missing in action and that the person making t he application is the qualifying s pouse or the parent of the missing perso n. The qualifying spouse and each parent of the missing person may each apply for the mi ssing in Req. No. 11370 Page 16 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 action license plate for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less; 7. Purple Heart Recipien t License Plates - such plates shall be designed for any resident of this state presenting proper certification from the United S tates Department of Veterans Affairs or the Armed Forces of the United States certifying that such resident has been awarded th e Purple Heart military decoration. Such persons may apply for a Purple Heart recipient license plate for vehicles having a rate d carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less. The surviving spouse of any deceased veteran who has been awarded the Purple Heart military decoration, if such spouse has not since remarried, or if remarried, the remarriage has been terminated by death, divorce or annulment, may apply for such plate for one vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of o ne (1) ton or less. The license plate created by this paragraph shall be exempt from the fee provided by this section for special license plates; 8. Pearl Harbor Survivor License Plates - such plates shall be designed for any resident of this state who c an be verified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or the Armed Forces of the United States as being: a. a member of the United States Armed Forces on December 7, 1941, b. stationed on December 7, 1941, during the hours of 7:55 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Hawaii time at Pearl Harbor, Req. No. 11370 Page 17 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 the island of Oahu, or offshore at a di stance not to exceed three (3) miles, and c. a recipient of an honorable discharge from t he United States Armed Forces. Such person may apply for a Pearl Harbor Survivor license plat e for each vehicle with a rated ca rrying capacity of one (1) ton or less; 9. Iwo Jima License Plates - such plates shall be designed for any resident of this stat e who can be verified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or the Armed Forces of the United States as being: a. a member of the United States Armed For ces in February of 1945, b. stationed in February of 1945 on or in the immediate vicinity of the island of Iwo Jima, and c. a recipient of an honorable discharge from the United States Armed Forces. Such person may apply for an Iwo Jima license plate for e ach vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less. Such license plate sha ll have the legend "Oklahoma OK" and shall contain three letters and three numbers. Between the letters and numbers shall be a logo of the flag-raising at Iwo Jima. Below the letters, logo and numbers, the plate shall contain the words "FEB." at the left, "Iwo Jima" in the center and "1945" at the right. Such Req. No. 11370 Page 18 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 plates shall not be subject to the design requirements of any other license plates prescribed by law other th an the space for the placement of the yearly decals for each succeeding year of registration after the initial issue; 10. D-Day Survivor License Plates - such plates shall be designed for any resident of this state who can be verified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or the Armed Forces of the United States as being: a. a member of the United States Armed Forces on June 6, 1944, b. a participant in the Allied invas ion of the coast of Normandy on June 6, 1944; provided, if such participation cannot be verified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or the Armed F orces of the United States, the Tax Commission may, in its discretion, accept evidence of suc h participation from the person applying for the license plate, and c. a recipient of an honorable discharge from the United States Armed Forces. Such person may apply for a D-Day Survivor license plate for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of on e (1) ton or less; 11. Killed in Action License Plates - such plates shall be designed to honor members of the United States Armed Forces who were killed in action. The spouse of the deceased person, if the spouse Req. No. 11370 Page 19 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 has not remarried, or if remarried, the remarriage is terminated by death, divorce or annulment, may apply for a k illed in action license plate upon presenting proper certification that the person was killed in action and that the person making the application is the qualifying spouse of the dec eased person. The qualifying spou se may apply for a killed in action lice nse plate for no more than two vehicles with each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less. The fee provided by this section for the special license plate authorized by this paragraph shall be i n addition to all other registration fee s provided by law, except the registration fees levied by Section 1132 of this title; 12. Gold Star Parents License Plates - such plates shall be designed to honor members of the Un ited States Armed Forces who were killed during a war. The parents of the deceased person may apply for a gold star license plate upon presenting proper certifica tion that the person was killed during a war and that the person making the application is th e parent of the deceased person. The parent may apply for a gold star par ent license plate for no more than two vehicles with each vehicle having a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less. The fee provided by this section for the special license plate authorized by this paragraph shall be in addition to all other registration fees provided by law, except the registration fees levied by Section 1132 of this title; Req. No. 11370 Page 20 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 13. Military Decoration License Plates - such plates shall be designed for any reside nt of this state who has been awar ded the Distinguished Service Medal, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star military de coration or the Silver Star military decoration. Such persons may apply for a military decoration license plate for each vehic le with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less; 14. Vietnam Veteran License Plates - such plates shall be designed for honorably discharged or present members of the United States Armed Forces who served in the Vietnam Conflict. Such persons may apply for a Vietnam veteran license pl ate for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less; 15. Police Officer License Plates - such plates shall be designed for any currently employed, reserve or retired municipal police officer or full-time, reserve or retired universi ty police officer certified by the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training or common education police officer certified by the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Trai ning. Police officers may apply for police officer license plates for veh icles with a rated capacity of one (1) ton or less or for a motorcycle upon proof of employment by or retirement from a municipal, university or common education police department by either an identification card or letter from the chief of the police depa rtment or the Oklahoma Police Pension and Retirement Board. Retirees who are eligible fo r Req. No. 11370 Page 21 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 such plates shall provide proof of eligibility upon initial application, but shall not be r equired to provide proof of eligibility annually. The license plates shal l be designed in consultation with municipal police departments of this state; provided, the license plate for motorcycles may be of similar design to the license plate for motor veh icles or may be a new design in order to meet space requirements for a mot orcycle license plate; 16. World War II Veteran License Plates - such plates shall be designed to honor honorably discharged former members of the United States Armed Forces who are residents of this state and who c an be verified by the Oklahoma Military Department, the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Armed Forces of the United States a s having served on federal active duty anytime during the period from September 16, 1940, to December 7, 1945. The former memb ers may apply for a World War II Veteran license plate for vehicles with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less. The license plate shall have the legend "Oklahoma" and shall contain, in the center of the plate, e ither the Thunderbird Insignia of the 45th Infantry Division in the prescr ibed red and gold coloring or the emblem of the Army, Navy, U.S. Army Air Corps, Marines or Coast Guard according to the branch of service to which the member belonged. For the purp ose of license plate identification, the plate shall contain four digits, two digits at the left and two digits at the right of the insignia or emblem. Req. No. 11370 Page 22 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Centered on the bottom of the license plate shall be the words "WORLD WAR II"; 17. Korean War Veteran License Plates - such plates shall be designed to honor honorably discharg ed former members of the United States Armed Forces who are residents of this state and w ho can be verified by the Oklahoma Military Department, the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Armed Forces of the United St ates as having served on federal active duty anytime during the period from June 27, 1950, to January 31, 1955, both dates inclus ive. The former members may apply for a Korean War Veteran license plate for vehicles with a rated carrying capacity of one (1 ) ton or less. The license plate shall h ave the legend "OKLAHOMA" and shall contain, in the center of the plate, either the Thund erbird Insignia of the 45th Infantry Division in the prescribed red and gold coloring or the emblem of the Army, Navy, Air Forc e, Marines or Coast Guard according to t he branch of service to which the member belonged. For the purpose of license plate iden tification, the plate shall contain four digits, two digits at the left and two digits at the right of the insignia or emblem. Centered on the bottom of the license p late shall be the word "KOREA"; 18. Municipal Official License Plates - such plates shall be designed for persons elected to a municipal office in this state and shall designate the name of the municipality and the district or Req. No. 11370 Page 23 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 ward in which the municipal official serves. The plates shall only be produced upon application; 19. Red Cross Volunteer License Plates - such plates shall be designed to honor American Red Cross volunteers a nd staff who are residents of this state. Such persons must present an identification card issued by the American Red Cross and bearing a photograph of the person . The license plate shall be designed with the assistance of the American Red Cross and shal l have the legend "Oklahoma OK!" in the color Pantone 186C Red. Below the legend the symbol of the American Red Cross and no more than three letters and three numbers shall be in the color Pantone 186C Red. Below the symbol and letters and numbers shall be the words "American Red Cross" in black. The plates shall not be subje ct to the design requirements of any other license plates prescribed by law other than the space for the placement of the yearly decals for each succeeding year of registration after the initial issue; 20. Desert Storm License Plates - such plates shall be designed and issued to any honorably discharged or present member of the United States Armed Forces who served in the Persian Gulf Crisis and the Desert Storm operation. Such pers ons may apply for a Desert Storm license plate for each vehicle with a rat ed carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less; 21. Military Reserve Unit License Plates - such plates shall be designed and issued to any honorably discharged or present member of Req. No. 11370 Page 24 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 a reserve unit of the United States A rmed Forces. Such persons may apply for a Military Reserve Unit license plate for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less; 22. Oklahoma City Bombing Victims and Survivors License Plates - such plates shall be designed and issue d to any victim or survivor of the bombing attack on the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995; 23. Civil Air Patrol License Plates - such plates shall be designed and issued to any person who is a member of the Civ il Air Patrol. Such persons may apply f or a Civil Air Patrol license plate for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of on e (1) ton or less upon proof of membership in the Civil Air Patrol. The license plate shall be designed in consultation with t he Civil Air Patrol; 24. Ninety-Nines License Plates - such plates shall be designed and issued to members of the Ninety-Nines. Persons applying for such license plate must show proof of membership in the Ninety - Nines. The license plates shall be design ed in consultation with the Ninety-Nines; 25. Combat Infantryman Badge License Plates – such plates shall be designed to honor r ecipients of the Combat Infantryman Badge. The plate shall have the legend "Oklahoma OK". Below the legend shall be the Combat Infantryman Badge and three numbers. Below the badge and the numbers shall be the words "Combat Infantryman Badge". Such persons may apply for a Combat Infantryman Badge license plate Req. No. 11370 Page 25 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 for each vehicle with a rated carr ying capacity of one (1) ton or less; 26. Somalia Combat Veterans License Plates – such plates shall be designed and issued to any honorably discharged or present member of the United States Armed Forces who saw combat in the United Nations relief effort. Such persons may apply for a Som alia Combat Veteran license plate for ea ch vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less; 27. Police Chaplain Li cense Plates – such plates shall be designed and issued to members of the International Confe rence of Police Chaplains (ICPC) w ho have completed the ICPC requirements for basic certification as a police chaplain. The license plates shall be designed in consultation with the ICPC; 28. Joint Service Commendation Medal License Plates – such plates shall be designed and issued to an y resident of this state who has been awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal by the United States Secretary of Defense; 29. Merchant Marine License Plates - such plates shall be designed, subject to criteria to be p resented to the Tax Commission by the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affa irs, and issued to any person who during combat was a member of the Merchant Marines as certified by the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs. Such license plate may be issued fo r each vehicle with a rated carryi ng capacity of one (1) ton or less; Req. No. 11370 Page 26 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 30. Legislative License Plates - such plates shall be designed for persons elected to the Ok lahoma Legislature and shall designate the house of the Legislature in which the legislator s erves and the district number; 31. Disabled Veterans License Plates - such plates shall be designed for persons presenting proper certification from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or the Armed Forces of the United States certifying such veteran has a service-connected disability rating of fifty percent (50%) o r more, regardless which agency pays the disability benefits, or that such veteran has be en awarded a vehicle by the United States government or receives a grant from the United Stat es Department of Veterans Affairs for the purchase of an automobile due to a service-connected disability rating or due to the loss of use of a limb or an eye. Su ch persons may apply to the Tax Commission for a disabled veterans license plate or to a motor license agent for a regular lice nse plate for no more than two vehicles with each vehicle having a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less. The surviving spouse of any deceased disabled veteran, if the spouse has not since remarried, or if remarried, the remarriage is terminated by death, divorce or annulment, or a surviving spouse in receipt of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, may apply for a disabled veterans license plate for one vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less. The Req. No. 11370 Page 27 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 fee provided by this section for the special license plate authorized by this paragraph shall be in addition to all other registration fees provided by law, except the registration fees levied by Section 1132 of this title. Th e total expense of this license plate shall not exceed Five Dollars ($5.00). If the person qualifies for a disabled veterans lice nse plate and is also eligible for a physically disabled placard under the provisions of Section 15-112 of this title, the pers on shall be eligible to receive a disabl ed veterans license plate that also displays the international accessibility symbol, whic h is a stylized human figure in a wheelchair. Upon the death of the disabled veteran with a disabled veterans license plate wi th the international accessibility symbo l, the plate shall be returned to the Tax Commission; 32. United States Air Force Associ ation License Plates - such plates shall be designed for members of the United States Air For ce Association. Persons applying for such license plate must show proof of membership in the Association. The license plates shall be designed in consultation wi th the Association; 33. Oklahoma Military Academy Alumni License Plates - such plates shall be designed and issued to any resi dent of this state who is an alumnus of the Oklahoma Military Academy. Such persons may apply for an Oklahoma Military Academy A lumnus license plate for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less. Req. No. 11370 Page 28 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 The license plates shall be desig ned in consultation with the Oklahoma Military Academy and shall contain the shield of the Academy; 34. Amateur Radio Operator L icense Plates – such plates shall be designed and issued to any person, holding a valid opera tor’s license, technician class or better, issued by the Federal Communications Commission, and who is also the owner of a motor vehicle currently registered in Ok lahoma, in which has been installed amateur mobile transmitting and receiving equipment. Eligible persons shall be entitled to two special vehicle identification plates as herein provided. Application for such identification plates shall be on a form pre scribed by the Tax Commission and the plates issued to such applicant shall have stamped thereon the word "Oklahoma" and bear the official call letters of the radio st ation assigned by the Federal Communications Commission to the individual amateur operato r thereof. All applications for such plates must be made to the Tax Commission on or before the first day of October of any ye ar for such plates for the following calendar year and must be accompanied by the fee required in this section together with a ce rtificate, or such other evidence as the Tax Commission may require, of proof that applicant has a valid technician class or be tter amateur operator ’s license and proof of applicant’s ownership of a vehicle in which radio receiving and transmitting equipme nt is installed. Applicants shall Req. No. 11370 Page 29 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 only be entitled to one set of special identification plat es in any one (1) year, and such c alendar year shall be stamped thereon. The right to such special identification plates herein provided for shall continue until the amateur radio operator’s license of the person to whom such plates are issued expires or is revoked; 35. American Legion L icense Plates - such plates shall be designed for members of the American Legion. Persons applying for such license plate must s how proof of membership. The license plates shall be designed in consultation with the Ameri can Legion of Oklahoma; 36. Deputy Sheriff License Plates - such plates shall be designed for any currently employed or retired county sheriff or deputy sheriff. County sheriffs or deputy sheriffs may apply for such plates for vehicles with a rated capac ity of one (1) ton or less upon proof of employment by or retirement from a county sheriff’s office by either an identification card or letter from the county sheriff or a government-sponsored retirement board from which the county sheriff or deputy sherif f may be receiving a pension. Retirees who are eligible for such plates s hall provide proof of eligibility upon initial application, but shall not be required to provide proof of eligibility annually. The license plates shall be designed in consultation with the county sheriff offices of this state; Req. No. 11370 Page 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 37. Gold Star Surviving Sp ouse License Plates – such plates shall be designed to honor the surviving spouses and ch ildren of qualified veterans. As used in this paragraph, "qualified veteran" shall mean: a. any person honorably discharged fr om any branch of the United States Armed Forces or as a member of the Oklahoma National Guard, who died as a direct result of the performance of duties for any branch of the United States Armed Forces or Oklahoma National Guard while on active military dut y, or b. any person honorably discharged from any branch of the United States Armed Forces or as a member of the Oklahoma National Guard, who died as a result of injury, illness or disease caused by the performance of such duties while on active duty, whet her the death occurred while on active d uty or after the honorable discharge of such person. The fee provided by this section for the special license plate authorized by this paragraph shall be in addition to all other registration fees provided by law, ex cept the registration fees levied by Section 1132 of this title; 38. Korea Defense Service Medal License Plates – such plates shall be designed and issued to any resident of this state who has been awarded the Korea Defen se Service Medal by the United Sta tes Req. No. 11370 Page 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Secretary of Defense. Such persons may apply for a Korea Defense Service Medal license plate for each vehicle with a rated c arrying capacity of one (1) ton or less; 39. 180th Infantry License Plates – such plates shall be designed for members and pri or members of the 180th Infantry. Persons applying for such license plate must obtain and provide proof of their membership from the 180th Infantry Association. The license plates shall be designed in consultation with t he 180th Infantry; 40. Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran License Plates – such plates shall be designed and issued to any honorably discharged or present member of the United States Armed Forces who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Such person may apply for an Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran license plate for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less, or for a motorcycle; provided, the license plate for motorcycles may be of similar design to the license plate for motor vehicles o r may be a new design in order to meet space requirements for a motorcycle license plate; 41. United States Air Force Academy Alumni License Plates - such plates shall be designed and issued to any resident of this state who is an alumnus of the United St ates Air Force Academy. Such persons may apply for a United States Air Fo rce Academy Alumnus license plate for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less; Req. No. 11370 Page 32 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 42. Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran License Plate – such plates shall be designed and issued to any honora bly discharged or present member of the United States Armed Forces who served in Operation Enduring Freedom on or after September 11, 2001. The license plate shall be designed in consultation with the Military Department of the State of Oklahoma. Such pe rson may apply for an Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran license plate for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less, or for a motorcycle; provided, the license plate for motorcycles may be of similar design to the license plate fo r motor vehicles or may be a new design in order to meet space requirements for a motorcycle license plate; 43. Military Multi-Decoration License Plate – such plates shall be designed and issued to any honorably discharge d or present member of the United States Armed Forces who qualifies for mo re than one military decoration license plate pursuant to the provisions of this section. The Tax Commission shall develop and implement a system whereby the designs of the eligible license plates can be included together on a single license plate. Such person may apply for a Military Multi-Decoration license plate for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less; 44. Global War on Terror Expeditionary License Plate – such plates shall be desi gned and issued to any honorably dischar ged or present member of the United States Armed Forces who has earned a Req. No. 11370 Page 33 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Global War on Terror Expeditionary decoration. The license plate shall be designed in consultation with the United States Institute of Heraldry and the Military Department of the Sta te of Oklahoma. Such person may apply for a Global War on Terror Expeditionary license plate for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less; 45. Legion of Merit Medal Recipient License Plate s - such plates shall be designed for an y resident of this state presenting proper certification from the United States Departmen t of Veterans Affairs or the Armed Forces of the United States certifying that such resident has been awarded the Legion of Mer it military decoration. Such persons ma y apply for a Legion of Merit recipient license plate for vehicles having a rated carryin g capacity of one (1) ton or less. The license plate shall be designed in consultation with the Military Department of the Sta te of Oklahoma; 46. 1-179th License Plates - such plates shall be designed for members, prior members and members of the househo ld of a member or former member of the 1 -179th Infantry. Persons applying for such license plate must obtain and provide proof of their membership association with the 1-179th Infantry Association. The license plate shall be designed in consultation with the 1-179th Infantry; 47. 2-179th License Plates - such plates shall be designed for members, prior members and members of th e household of a member or former member of the 2-179th Infantry. Persons applying for such Req. No. 11370 Page 34 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 license plate must obtain and provid e proof of their membership association with the 2 -179th Infantry Association. The license plate shall be designed in consulta tion with the 2-179th Infantry; 48. Combat Action Ribbon Recipient License Plates - such plates shall be designed to honor recip ients of the Combat Action Ribbon who present proper certification from the United States Dep artment of the Navy. The license plate shall include the Combat Action Ribbon earned by the recipient. Such persons may apply for a Combat Action Ribbon Recipien t license plate for vehicles having a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less; 49. Oklahoma Submarine Veterans License Plate – such plates shall be designed fo r any resident of this state who is a United States submarine veteran and presents either a Department of Defense form DD 214 or other documentation certifying such service. Such persons may apply for an Oklahoma Su bmarine Veterans license plate for vehicles having a rated capacity of one (1) ton or less. The license plate design shall include both gold and silver dolphins to represent both officer and enlisted service members; 50. United States Navy Seabees and Ci vil Engineer Corps License Plate – such plates shall be designed and issued to any honorably discharged or present member of the Uni ted States Navy Seabees or Civil Engineer Corps. Such persons may apply for a United Stat es Navy Seabees and Civil Engineer Corps license plate for vehicles having a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less. The Req. No. 11370 Page 35 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 license plate shall be designed in c onsultation with the Military Department of the State of Oklahoma; 51. Combat Action Badg e Recipient License Plate - such plates shall be designed to honor recipie nts of the Combat Action Badge who present proper certification from the United States Army. The license plate shall include the Combat Action Badge earned by the recipient. Such persons may apply for a Combat Acti on Badge Recipient license plate for veh icles having a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less, or for a motorcycle; provided , the license plate for motorcycles may be of similar design to the license plate for moto r vehicles or may be a new design in order to meet space requirements for a motorcycle license plate; 52. Iraq Combat Veteran License Plate – such plates shall be designed and issued to any honorably discharged or present member of the United States Armed Forces who saw combat in Operatio n Iraqi Freedom. Such persons may apply for an Iraq Combat Veteran license plate for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less, or for a motorcycle; provided, the license plate for motorcycles may be of similar design to the licen se plate for motor vehicles or may be a new design in order to meet space requirements for a motorcycle license plate; 53. Afghanistan Combat Veteran License Plate – such plates shall be designed and issued to any honorab ly discharged or present member of the United States Armed Forces who saw combat in Operation Req. No. 11370 Page 36 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Enduring Freedom. Such persons may apply for an Afghanistan Combat Veteran license plate for each vehicle with a rated carrying capacity of one (1) ton or less, or for a motorcycle; provided, the license plate for motorcycles may be of similar design to the license plate for motor vehicles or may be a new design in order to meet space requirements for a motorcycle license plate; and 54. Special Forces Association – such plates shall be designed and issued to any honorably discharged or present member of the Army Special Forces qualified and authorized to wear upon the person ’s United States military uniform the Army Special Forces Tab. Persons applying for the Special Forces Association license p late must provide a copy of the orders a warding the Special Forces Tab or authorizing its wear upon a United States military uniform . The license plate shall be designed in consultation with the Special Forces Association, Chapter 32-50. The Tax Commissi on shall produce up to two distinct desi gns for the Special Forces Association license plate. Qualified persons may select one desi gn at the time of application. The plates shall be issued to any qualified person in any combination of numbers and letters from one to a maximum of seven, as for personalized license plates. C. Unless otherwise provided by this section, the fee for such plates shall be Eight Dollars ($8.00) and shall be in addition to all other registration fees provided by the Oklahoma Vehi cle License and Registration Act. Such fees shall be deposited in the Oklahoma Req. No. 11370 Page 37 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Tax Commission Reimbursement Fund to be used for the administration of the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration Act. SECTION 3. AMENDATORY 47 O.S . 2021, Section 1135.4, as last amended by Section 6, Chapter 276, O.S.L. 2021, is amended to read as follows: Section 1135.4 A. The Oklahoma Tax Commission is h ereby authorized to design and issue personalized license p lates. The personalized license plates shall be issued on a staggered sys tem except for vintage decals. Personalized special license plates shall not be transferred to any other person but shall b e removed from the vehic le upon transfer of ownership and retained. The personalized specia l license plate may then be used on anoth er vehicle but only after such other vehicle has been registered for the current year. Personalized special license plates shall be renewed each ye ar by the Tax Commission or a motor license agent, unless authorized by the Tax Commission to be renewed for a period greater than one (1) year. The Tax Commission shall notify by mail all persons issued special license plates. The Tax Commission shall s end the notifications to the electr onic mail address provided by the person. If a person does not provide an electronic mail address, the Tax Commission shall notify the person by mail. The notice shall contain all necessary info rmation and shall contain instructions for the renewal procedure upon presentation to a motor license agent or Req. No. 11370 Page 38 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 the Tax Commission. Th e motor license agent fees for renewals shall be paid out of the Oklahoma Tax Commission Reimbursement Fund. On and after January 1, 2022, if a per sonalized license plate is issued pursuant to this section, any regi stration fee required for such plate pursuant to this section and the fee required pursuant to Section 1132 of this title shall be remitted at the same time and subject to a single registr ation period. The Oklahoma Tax Commission shall determine, by rule, a method for making required fee and registration period adjustments if a special license plate is obtained during a twelve -month period for which a registration fee has already been remi tted pursuant to Section 1132 of th is title. The combination of fee s in a single remittance shall not alter the apportionment otherwise provided for in this section. B. Such plates shall be designed and issued for the following: 1. Any person in any com bination of numbers or letters from one to a maximum of seven; 2. Persons eligible for two or more of the mi litary decoration special license plates provided for in this title. Such plates may be issued in any combination of embl ems. However, such plate s shall only display up to three em blems and shall also display any combination of letters or numbers from on e to a maximum of three; 3. Motorcycles in any combination of numbers or letters from one to a maximum of six; Req. No. 11370 Page 39 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 4. Persons eligible for Korean War Veteran license plates provided for in this title. Such plates may display any combination of letters or numbers up to three on each side of the insignia or emblem; 5. Persons eligible for World War II Veteran license plates provided for in this title. Such plates may display any combin ation of letters or numbers up to three on each side of the insignia or emblem; and 6. Persons owning vehicles which are twenty-one (21) years and older are qualified to submit for approval by th e Tax Commission or a motor license agent a vintage but expi red official Oklahoma license plate which is twenty-one (21) years and old er. Upon approval of such personalized plate, the owner shall be issued the annual registration decal which the Tax Commi ssion or agent shall direct to be affixed. C. The fee for such plates shall be Twenty Dollar s ($20.00) per year of renewal and shall be in addition to all other registration fees provided by the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration Act. Eight Dollars ($8.00) per year of ren ewal of the personalized tag fee shall be deposited in the Oklahoma Tax Commission Reimbursement Fund to be used for the administration of the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration Act. Twelve Dollars ($12.00) per year of renewal of the personalized t ag fee shall be apportioned as prov ided in Section 1104 of this titl e. Req. No. 11370 Page 40 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 SECTION 4. This act shall become effective November 1, 2022. 58-2-11370 LRB 04/13/22