SARAH SCHNEIDER

LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH INTERN

ZACK DEAN

LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH ANALYST

TRANSPORTATION & TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE

Telephone: (602) 926-3171

ARIZONA STATE SENATE

RESEARCH STAFF

TO:                  MEMBERS OF THE SENATE

TRANSPORTATION & TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE

DATE:            March 18, 2021

SUBJECT:      Strike everything amendment to H.B. 2131, relating to license plate standardization; study committee

Purpose

            Establishes the License Plate Standardization Study Committee (Study Committee).

Background

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division provides one license plate to every motor vehicle owner for each vehicle registered (A.R.S. § 28-2351). ADOT is required to issue or renew special plates in lieu of regular license plates under specified conditions and procedures (A.R.S. § 28-2403). The fee for obtaining or renewing a special plate is $25 (A.R.S. § 28-2402). Of the $25 fee, $8 is an administration fee that ADOT deposits in the State Highway Fund and $17 is a donation to a specific organization.

            There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.

Provisions

1. Establishes the Study Committee consisting of the following members:

a) two members of the Senate who are appointed by the President of the Senate and who are members of different political parties with one member being designated as Cochairperson;

b) two members of the House of Representatives who are appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and who are members of different political parties with one member being designated as Cochairperson;

c) one sheriff in Arizona who is appointed by the Governor;

d) one member who represents a police association in Arizona and who is appointed by the Governor;

e) the Director of the Department of Public Safety or the Director's designee;

f) the Director of ADOT or the Director's designee; and

g) three members who represent organizations that have a special plate who are appointed by the Governor.

2. Requires the Study Committee to:

a) study whether there is a need for special plate standardization in Arizona and possible options for special plate redesign; and

b) submit a report, by December 15, 2021, regarding the Study Committee's activities and recommendations for administrative or legislative action to the Governor, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives and provide a copy of this report to the Secretary of State.

3. States that appointed members serve at the pleasure of the person who made the appointment.

4. Specifies that the Study Committee members are not eligible to receive compensation, but members appointed by the Governor are eligible for reimbursement of expenses.

5. Repeals the Study Committee on October 1, 2022.

6. Becomes effective on the general effective date.