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HB 5655

AN ACT CONCERNING THE ISSUANCE OF NUMBER PLATES TO COMMEMORATE JUNETEENTH.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Anthony Nolan

Authorizes a Juneteenth commemorative license plate; DMV designs, issues, and owners may apply to replace standard plates, with a possible surcharge and designated funds.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Transportation
#holidaysandspecialdays #motorvehiclelicenseplates
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Bill Summary · HB 5655

Summary — HB 5655: AN ACT CONCERNING THE ISSUANCE OF NUMBER PLATES TO COMMEMORATE JUNETEENTH

Purpose and intent

HB 5655 authorizes the creation and issuance of a commemorative motor vehicle number plate that recognizes Juneteenth. The bill’s stated intent is to provide vehicle owners the option to display a specialty license plate that commemorates Juneteenth as a recognized historical and cultural observance.

Key provisions (general)

The bill’s title and subject indicate the following core elements (see note below about obtaining the full text for precise statutory language):

  • Authorizes the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent state motor vehicle agency) to design, produce, and issue a special Juneteenth commemorative number plate.
  • Permits motor vehicle owners to apply for and obtain the Juneteenth specialty plate in place of a standard plate.
  • Establishes administrative procedures for issuance (application process, production, and distribution) to be carried out by the motor vehicle agency.
  • May allow for a special plate fee or surcharge associated with the specialty plate and set rules for how any fee revenue is handled (e.g., deposited to a designated fund, administrative cost recovery, or allocation to specified programs), although the bill text should be consulted for exact language on fees and allocations.

Who is affected

  • Department of Motor Vehicles: administrative responsibility for plate design, production, issuance, and recordkeeping.
  • Motor vehicle owners: able to request the Juneteenth commemorative plate (typically voluntary, replacing a standard plate).
  • State finance/accounts: if the bill imposes a special plate fee, funds and accounting mechanisms could be affected.

Legislative status and timeline

  • Introduced: March 25, 2025; referred to Joint Committee on Transportation.
  • Committee actions: public hearings April 23; reported favorably April 29; recommended to Local & Consent Calendar.
  • House passage: May 21, 2025.
  • Senate passage: May 28, 2025.
  • Enrolled and transmitted to Governor: late May 2025.
  • June 20, 2025: Filed without the Governor’s signature (commonly indicates the bill became law without the Governor’s signature; check the official annotation for the exact legal effect and any veto timeline specifics).
  • Remarks note: “See remarks for effective date” — the exact effective date is not provided here.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Provides a visible, symbolic recognition of Juneteenth across the state.
  • Administrative and production costs for the motor vehicle agency; possible offset if a surcharge is charged.
  • May generate modest revenue if a specialty plate fee is established; allocation of such revenue depends on the bill’s detailed provisions.
  • Individuals interested in obtaining the plate should review DMV rules and application requirements once implemented.

Where to find the full text and effective date

For the precise statutory language, fee amounts (if any), allocation of proceeds, and the effective date, consult the official enrolled bill text and the DMV implementing guidance published by the state legislature or the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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