AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Frank Cooke and 11 co-sponsors

SB 318 would modify Delaware's special license plate system, including eligibility, design, issuance, and fees, affecting how these plates are issued and funded.

Passed By House. Votes: 39 YES 1 NO 1 ABSENT

Summary of SB 318 (Session 153, Delaware)

Purpose and intent

SB 318 aims to amend Title 21 of the Delaware Code related to special license plates. The bill is designed to modify existing provisions governing special registrations, potentially including new plate designs, eligibility, issuance, or administrative processes. The precise policy changes are not detailed in the bill metadata provided, but the general object is to revise how special license plates operate within Delaware’s vehicle registration framework.

Key provisions and changes (as typically involved in such amendments)

While the exact text of SB 318 is not included here, bills amending Title 21 often cover:

Creation or modification of special license plate categories (e.g., collegiate, organizational, commemorative plates).
Eligibility criteria for plate issuance and renewal.
Fees associated with special plates (initial issuance, annual renewals, and any surcharges dedicated to specific programs or funds).
Administrative and operational processes (application procedures, approval authority, production, and distribution of plates).
Design and approval standards for plate imagery and messaging.
Provisions related to plate transfers, replacements, or duplicates.
Compliance, enforcement, and potential penalties for fraud or misuse.

Who/what would be affected

Vehicle owners who apply for or currently hold Delaware special license plates.

The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and related administrative bodies responsible for plate issuance, renewal processing, and fee collection.

Potential beneficiaries if the bill creates or modifies surcharge funds or dedicated revenue streams (e.g., funding for specific programs, nonprofits, or state initiatives).

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced and assigned to the Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee in the Senate on May 13, 2026.

Co-sponsors include Ed Osienski, Dan Cruce, Stell Selby, Jack Walsh, Brian Pettyjohn, and Claire Snyder-Hall, indicating cross-party support from multiple Senate members.

The bill will typically proceed through committee hearings, potential amendments, and votes in both chambers, with any final passage pending the standard legislative process and the Governor’s signature or veto as applicable.

Potential implications

If SB 318 broadens the types of special plates or changes fees, it could affect the cost of registration and the availability of plate options for Delaware residents.

Administrative changes could streamline or alter the speed and manner in which plates are issued or renewed.

Revisions to designated funds or surcharges could influence funding for related programs or causes tied to special plate revenues.

Note: A precise and complete analysis requires the full text of SB 318 to identify the exact changes to Title 21, including any new sections, amendments, or repeals. This summary reflects typical features of Delaware special license plate amendments and the information available in the bill’s overview.