CHOICE OF LICENSE PLATE FOR

TOTALLY DISABLED VETERANS

House Bill 4699 (as reported from committee as H-3 substitute)

Sponsor:  Rep. Jason Wentworth

Committee:  Transportation and Infrastructure

Complete to 2-7-18

SUMMARY:

House Bill 4699 would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to expand the types of license plates a totally disabled veteran can obtain under Section 803f (MCL 257.803f).

Currently, under Section 803f, a totally disabled veteran with an honorable discharge can obtain a special registration plate for a $5 service fee. The registration tax under Section 801 is waived.  The bill would allow a disabled veteran to obtain the following plates, issued under the following sections, on the same terms ($5 fee and waiver of the registration tax):

·         A special registration plate for disabled veterans (the plate that is currently available under Section 803f).

·         A special registration plate for members of the National Guard, the military reserve, or any branch of the U.S. Armed Services (Section 803i).

·         A special registration plate for service members, or the spouses of service members, who were called to active duty during any war (Section 803o).

·         A special registration plate for service members, or the spouses of service members, who served during:

o   The Korean War (Section 803j).

o   The Vietnam War (Section 803k).

o   The conflict in World War II (Section 803l).Grenada, in Panama, or in Lebanon (Section 803n).

o   The Persian Gulf War (Section 803n).

·         A special registration plate for disabled persons (Section 803d).

·         A standard or commemorative issue plate (Section 224).

The bill would take effect August 1, 2019.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would have no fiscal impact on registration tax revenue due to the number of drivers exempt from a registration tax not being affected. The bill would result in limited costs to the Department of State related to the reprogramming of their administrative computer systems. The extent and cost of the reprogramming are not yet determined.

POSITION:

The Office of the Secretary of State indicated a neutral position regarding the bill.

(1-30-18)

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   E. Best

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Michael Cnossen

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.