A bill for an act relating to motor vehicle special registration plate decals created by a nonprofit veterans’ organization or associated with military service, and providing fees.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sandy Salmon

Bill SF 36 allows nonprofit veterans' organizations to issue special vehicle registration decals, boosting visibility and support for military service members and veterans.

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as SF 151.

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Bill Overview

Bill Number: SF 36
Title: A bill for an act relating to motor vehicle special registration plate decals created by a nonprofit veterans’ organization or associated with military service, and providing fees.
Status: Committee report approving bill, renumbered as SF 151.
Introduced: January 14, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Military service, motor vehicle registration, nonprofit entities, veterans affairs.

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill SF 36 is to streamline the process for nonprofit organizations, particularly those serving veterans, to create and issue special registration plate decals for motor vehicles. This bill aims to enhance the visibility and support for military service members and veterans through the use of specialized vehicle decals.

Key Provisions

Decal Issuance: Nonprofit organizations that are exempt under section 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code can apply to the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue special registration plate decals.

Application Requirements: Organizations must submit an application that includes:

Proof of eligibility to issue the decal.
A color copy of the completed decal design.
A clear explanation of the decal's purpose.
Eligibility requirements for purchasing the decal.
Proposed fees for the decal.

Community Service Requirement: To qualify for approval, the organization must demonstrate that its primary activities serve the community and contribute to the welfare of others, without discrimination.

Removal of Minimum Order Requirement: The bill eliminates the previous requirement for the DOT to receive a minimum of 250 orders before producing any special registration plates, allowing for more flexibility in issuing these plates.

Impact

Beneficiaries: The bill primarily affects nonprofit organizations that serve veterans, as well as veterans themselves who may wish to purchase these special registration plates.

Community Engagement: By facilitating the issuance of these decals, the bill aims to promote community awareness and support for military service members.

Administrative Changes: The DOT will have the authority to approve and oversee the issuance of these decals, which may streamline the process for organizations seeking to create and distribute them.

Procedural Timeline

January 14, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Veterans Affairs Committee.

January 15, 2025: Subcommittee formed, consisting of members Salmon, Dotzler, and Warme.

January 21, 2025: Subcommittee meeting held to discuss the bill.

January 22, 2025: Subcommittee recommends passage of the bill.

January 29, 2025: Committee report approving the bill, renumbered as SF 151.

This summary provides an overview of Bill SF 36, highlighting its intent, key provisions, potential impacts, and procedural steps. The bill represents a significant step towards supporting veterans through enhanced vehicle registration options.

Bill