Summary — S.3366 (1R) — Eliminate fee for firefighter / first aid & rescue squad specialty plates

Note: Although an alternate title was provided in the request, the legislative text, committee statement, and fiscal estimate for S.3366 describe a bill that eliminates the $15 issuance fee for specialty license plates issued to firefighters and members of first aid or rescue squads. This summary is based on those documents.

Main purpose

To eliminate the $15 Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) issuance fee for specialty license plates issued to compensated, partially compensated, or volunteer members of fire departments and members of first aid or rescue squads in New Jersey — while retaining any normal vehicle registration fees.

Key provisions

• Eliminates the $15 issuance fee currently charged by the MVC for specialty "firefighter" and "first aid/rescue squad" license plates.
• Requires holders of these special plates to renew them annually.
• Requires submission of proof at renewal that the registrant remains a bona fide member of a New Jersey fire department or first aid/rescue squad.
• Leaves other statutory registration fees intact (only the separate $15 specialty-plate fee is removed).
• As amended in committee, adds the annual renewal/proof requirement.

Who is affected

• Primary beneficiaries: compensated, partially compensated, and volunteer members of New Jersey fire departments and members of first aid or rescue squads who apply for these specialty plates.
• New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission: administrative responsibilities to process renewals and verify continuing eligibility.
• State finances: small reduction in MVC fee revenue.

Fiscal impact

• Office of Legislative Services (OLS) estimate: approximately $10,065 annual decrease in State revenue from eliminating the $15 issuance fee.
• Data used: as of May 2024, there were 28,202 firefighter specialty plates and 1,366 first aid/rescue squad plates in circulation; OLS estimated annual new issuances of 641 firefighter plates and 30 first aid/rescue plates.
• The fiscal impact would vary if the number of plates issued changes.

Legislative status & timeline

• Introduced: June 3, 2024 (referred to Senate Transportation Committee).
• Reported by Senate Transportation Committee with amendments: January 30, 2025.
• Passed Senate: June 6, 2025.
• Delivered to Assembly and referred to Assembly Health Committee: June 6, 2025.
• Companion bill: A4284 (1R).

Practical notes / potential effects

• Removes a modest financial barrier for members seeking the specialty plates.
• The annual renewal and proof requirement may increase administrative workload for MVC and require applicants to provide membership verification each year.
• Net fiscal effect is small relative to state budget; primary impact is targeted benefit to emergency services personnel.

Sponsor(s) (per bill text): Senator Anthony M. Bucco and Senator Kristin M. Corrado (co-sponsors: Senators Diegnan, Henry, Amato).