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Bill

S 149

Authorizes creation of "250th Anniversary Revolutionary War" license plates.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Beach and 5 co-sponsors

NJ issues a 250th Anniversary Revolutionary War license plate; fees fund NJ Revolutionary War site preservation after initial private funding and 500+ applications.

Substituted by A2391 (2R)
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Bill Summary · S 149

Summary of Bill S 149 (Session 222) – New Jersey: 250th Anniversary Revolutionary War License Plates

Purpose and Intent

  • Create a special license plate to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolutionary War.
  • Design, including emblem and color scheme, to be chosen by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) chief administrator in consultation with the New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC) in the Department of State.
  • Revenues from the plate (after initial costs) will support and preserve Revolutionary War sites in New Jersey.

Key Provisions and Changes

Plate Creation and Design

  • MVC Chief Administrator may issue 250th Anniversary Revolutionary War license plates for any motor vehicle registered in New Jersey.
  • Plates will include a slogan and emblem representing the Revolutionary War, with the design selected in consultation with the NJHC.
  • Plates are governed by existing MVC license plate rules, with special provisions in this bill.

Application Process and Fees

  • Applicants must submit an application to the MVC Chief Administrator.
  • An application fee of $50 (in addition to standard registration fees) is required.
  • Beginning after issuance, an annual renewal fee of $10 is charged, in addition to standard registration fees.
  • Funds collected (after offset of administrative costs) are deposited into the “250th Anniversary Revolutionary War License Plate Fund.”

Fund Creation and Use

  • A special non-lapsing fund, the “250th Anniversary Revolutionary War License Plate Fund,” is established in the Department of Treasury.
  • Money in the fund, net of administrative costs, is appropriated annually to support and preserve Revolutionary War sites in New Jersey.
  • Interest and other income from the fund are deposited back into the fund for the stated purpose.

Administrative and Oversight Provisions

  • Annual certification of the average cost per license plate (production, issuance, renewal, and publicity) by the MVC chief administrator; certification reviewed/approved by the Joint Budget Oversight Committee (or successor).
  • If the average cost per plate is greater than the $50 application fee for two consecutive fiscal years, the MVC chief administrator may discontinue the plate program.

Initial Costs and Public/Private Funding

  • No state (public) funds may be used for initial design, production, issuance, publicity, or necessary programming changes.
  • The NJHC, or entities designated by the NJHC, must contribute non-public funds up to a total of $25,000 to offset initial costs.
  • Private donors may contribute to the NJHC to offset initial costs.
  • Any remaining initial funds go to the Plate Fund.

Implementation Preconditions

  • The MVC may begin work only after: 1) The NJHC (or designee) provides sufficient funds to offset initial costs, and 2) The NJHC liaison provides at least 500 completed applications, with fees covering the initial order cost.
  • The bill is contingent on these prerequisites being met; otherwise, the act remains inoperative.

Timeline and Sunset

  • The act takes effect immediately but remains inoperative until the stated conditions are satisfied.
  • If the required applications and funds are not received by the end of the 12th month following enactment, the act expires.

Who is Affected

  • Vehicle owners in New Jersey who opt to obtain the 250th Anniversary Revolutionary War license plates (additional $50 app fee and $10 annual renewal).
  • The MVC and NJHC, which will coordinate design, liaison, and administration.
  • Private donors and the NJHC, which must contribute seed funds for initial costs.
  • Revolutionary War site preservation efforts in New Jersey, funded by plate-related revenues.

Procedural/Timeline Aspects

  • Timing is contingent on private funding and at least 500 completed applications.
  • Annual cost certifications require Joint Budget Oversight Committee approval.
  • Program can be discontinued if ongoing costs exceed revenues for two consecutive years.
  • Expiration if prerequisites are not satisfied within 12 months of enactment.

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

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