WeVote
Log In

Bill

RB

Bill

A 1738

Authorizes creation of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. license plates.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Renee Burgess and 6 co-sponsors

Authorizes a Delta Sigma Theta license plate in NJ with fees funding the sorority’s grants via a dedicated fund, contingent on private match and initial applications.

Passed Senate (Passed Both Houses) (40-0)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 1738

Overview

Bill A 1738 (Session 222, New Jersey) authorizes the creation and issuance of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. license plates. It supplements Title 39 of the Revised Statutes, repeals a prior related law (P.L.2018, c.109), and establishes a dedicated fund to support the sorority’s programs. The act includes conditions for implementation, funding, and ongoing program administration.

Purpose and intent

  • Create a specialty Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. license plate available to motor vehicle owners in New Jersey.
  • Provide a mechanism for the sorority to receive grant funding to support its mission and programs (educational development for youth, economic development, social action, health initiatives for disadvantaged communities).
  • Ensure design, cost recovery, and publicizing of the plate are structured and monitored, with safeguards on costs and timelines.

Key provisions and changes

  • Design and issuance

    • NJMVC Chief Administrator may issue Delta Sigma Theta license plates upon proper application.
    • Plates will display words/slogan and an emblem honoring Delta Sigma Theta, with design and color chosen in consultation with the Eastern Regional Director of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
    • Plates follow general motor vehicle plate rules, with specific design/dolorings as provided.

  • Fees and funding

    • Application fee: $50 (in addition to standard vehicle registration fees).
    • Annual renewal/maintenance fee: $10 (in addition to standard registration fees).
    • A special non-lapsing fund: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. License Plate Fund, created in the Department of the Treasury.
    • Fee revenue, after reimbursing the DMV for administrative costs, funds the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. grants program.
    • Up to $150,000 may be used initially (to cover design, production, issuance, publicizing, and necessary computer programming) before funds are deposited to the new fund.

  • Administrative costs and cost scrutiny

    • The DMV must reimburse itself for upfront costs from the additional fees, with costs not to exceed $150,000 (initial programming and publicizing costs).
    • The DMV must annually certify average cost per plate; certification requires Joint Budget Oversight Committee (JBOC) approval.
    • If average cost per plate exceeds $50 in two consecutive fiscal years, the DMV may discontinue the program.

  • New fund operations

    • The Delta Sigma Theta License Plate Fund will hold deposits from plate fees and investment income, used to fund Delta Sigma Theta grant programs.
    • Funds may be invested/invested in securities per state treasury rules; interest remains in the fund.

  • Implementation conditions and private funding

    • Government funds cannot be used for initial costs.
    • The Eastern Region or designated entity may contribute private funds (up to $25,000) to offset initial costs.
    • Any private funds remaining after initial costs are paid go to the Delta Sigma Theta License Plate Fund.

  • prerequisites to launch

    • Before design/issuance/publicity begins, the Eastern Region must provide sufficient private funds to offset initial costs, and there must be at least 500 completed applications for the new plates (as a starting order).
    • The Eastern Region liaison appointed to consult with the DMV must be in place.

  • Repeal and timing

    • Repeals P.L.2018, c.109 (the previously authorized Delta Sigma Theta plate provision).
    • Act becomes inoperative until the conditions are met (first seven months after enactment) and expires if the required applications/fees are not received by the end of the 12th month after enactment.

Who is affected

  • New Jersey motor vehicle owners who opt to obtain the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. license plates.
  • Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Eastern Region) as the partner organization in design, promotion, and program administration.
  • New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance? (Not applicable) — primarily the Motor Vehicle Commission and the State Treasurer for fund management.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Activation is contingent:
    • Private funding provided by the Eastern Region (up to $25,000) to offset initial costs.
    • At least 500 completed applications for the license plates.
  • If conditions are not satisfied within the specified timeframe, the act may not take effect as planned and could expire.
  • The act requires ongoing annual certification of cost per plate and oversight by the Joint Budget Oversight Committee.
  • Implementation involves MOUs between the DMV and the Delta Sigma Theta Eastern Regional Director.

Summary

A 1738 would authorize a Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. specialty license plate in New Jersey, funded initially by private contributions and later supported through a dedicated annual $10 renewal fee and a $50 application fee. Net proceeds (after DMV costs) would fund Delta Sigma Theta programs via a new non-lapsing treasury fund. The program includes design control, collaboration with the sorority’s Eastern Region, cost oversight, and safeguards that could terminate the program if per-plate costs remain high or if prerequisite private funding and initial applications are not met. The bill repeals an earlier, expired provision and sets a defined, conditional path to launch.

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

Sign in to ask a question.