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SB 3904

AUSTISM/NEURODIVERGENT PLATES

104th Regular Session Introduced by Meg Loughran Cappel and 16 co-sponsors

Illinois would issue autism/neurodivergent license plates beginning 2027, featuring the Just Bee icon and allowing vanity options, with physician-certification required.

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Bill Summary · SB 3904

Summary of SB3904 (104th General Assembly, Illinois)

Title

Autism/Neurodivergent Plates

Main purpose and intent

SB3904 proposes the creation of a new special registration plate program for autism and neurodivergent individuals in Illinois. Beginning with the 2027 registration year, the Secretary of State would be authorized to issue autism and neurodivergent license plates to residents who are autistic or neurodivergent, or who are parents of a child who is autistic or neurodivergent. The design would feature the Just Bee icon used for identification of autistic or neurodivergent individuals, with overall design and color at the Secretary’s discretion beyond that requirement.

Key provisions and changes

  • New Section added to the Illinois Vehicle Code: 625 ILCS 5/3-670.5 (autism and neurodivergent plates).
  • Eligibility and eligibility timeline:
    • Eligible recipients:
    • Individuals who are autistic or neurodivergent, or
    • Parents of children who are autistic or neurodivergent.
    • Effective date: Plates may be issued beginning with the 2027 registration year.
  • Vehicle applicability: Plates may be affixed to passenger vehicles of the first division, motorcycles, autocycles, and motor vehicles of the second division weighing not more than 8,000 pounds.
  • Registration and expiration: Plates will follow the multi-year registration/expiration framework established by Section 3-414.1 of the Illinois Vehicle Code.
  • Plate design and insignia:
    • Plates must display the Just Bee icon (used for identification of autistic or neurodivergent individuals).
    • In all other respects, the plate design (including color) is at the Secretary of State’s discretion.
    • The Secretary may allow the plates to be issued as vanity plates or personalized plates per Section 3-405.1.
    • The plates are not required to designate “Land of Lincoln” (unlike some standard plates).
    • The Secretary may prescribe eligibility requirements and approve decals/stickers per Section 3-412.
  • Documentation required: An original certificate from a licensed physician certifying the applicant, or the applicant’s child, as autistic or neurodivergent must accompany each application.

Who would be affected

  • Illinois residents who are autistic or neurodivergent.
  • Parents of autistic or neurodivergent children.
  • Vehicle owners eligible for passenger car, motorcycle, autocycles, and smaller motor vehicles (≤8,000 pounds) who wish to obtain the designated plates.
  • The Secretary of State (administrative agency) responsible for issuing plates, determining design, and managing eligibility and related decals.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and sponsorship: Introduced February 6, 2026, by Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel.
  • Action history (highlights):
    • Assigned to Transportation (Feb 17, 2026).
    • Do Pass in Transportation (Mar 11, 2026) with a 19-0 vote.
    • Passed third reading in Senate (Apr 16, 2026) with a 57-0-0 vote and immediate effect for the 2027 registration year start.
  • Effective start: The program is authorized to begin with the 2027 registration year, assuming subsequent passage and enactment requirements are met.

Financial considerations

  • The bill requires payment of applicable fees and a physician-certified eligibility document with each application. Specific fee amounts are not listed in the introduced text; the Secretary of State would establish the exact fee schedule consistent with other special plates.

Design and branding notes

  • The Just Bee icon is the mandated symbol on the plates.
  • The Secretary of State retains broad discretion over color and overall design (beyond the required icon).
  • Vanity/personalized plate options may be available under existing statutory provisions (Section 3-405.1).
  • Optional decals or stickers may be approved per Section 3-412.

This summary provides a concise overview of SB3904, focusing on its objectives, how it would operate, who it would impact, and key dates and procedural steps.

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

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