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Bill

Bill

S 4076

Authorizes creation of Juneteenth commemorative license plates.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Angela McKnight and 1 co-sponsor

New Jersey issues Juneteenth license plates to fund commemorations via a dedicated fund, with initial non-public funding and 500 preorders required to activate.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Transportation Committee
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Bill Summary · S 4076

Summary of Bill S 4076 (Session 222) – New Jersey

Purpose and Intent

  • Authorizes the creation and issuance of Juneteenth commemorative license plates by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC).
  • Proceeds from the license plate program support the New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC) in commemorating and celebrating Juneteenth.

Key Provisions and Changes

Plate Design and Issuance

  • The MVC Chief Administrator may issue Juneteenth license plates for vehicles registered in New Jersey.
  • Plates must include words or a slogan and an emblem commemorating Juneteenth.
  • Design and color scheme are to be selected by the Chief Administrator in consultation with the NJHC.
  • Plates follow the general provisions of Title 39, with exceptions as outlined in the act.

Application and Fees

  • Applicants must submit a standard application to the MVC Chief Administrator.
  • An initial application fee of $50 (paid to the MVC) is required, in addition to existing registration fees.
  • After issuance, an annual renewal fee of $10 is added atop existing registration fees.

Funding and Expenditures

  • A dedicated “Juneteenth License Plate Fund” (a special non-lapsing fund in the state Treasury) will receive all collected license plate fees (net of reimbursement for administrative costs).
  • Fund monies are appropriated annually to the NJHC for Juneteenth commemorative activities.
  • Interest earnings and other income stay in the fund for Juneteenth-related use.

Administrative Costs and Oversight

  • Initial design, production, issuance, publicity, and any necessary computer programming for the program may not be paid with public funds; non-public money is required to cover these upfront costs.
  • The act establishes an initial cost offset mechanism:
    • Non-public funds from designated individuals/entities (not to exceed $25,000) must be provided to cover initial costs.
    • A liaison from the NJHC must supply at least 500 completed applications as part of the initial order, with the cost of that initial order covered by the initial application fees.
  • The MVC must reimburse its own administrative costs for implementing the program from the fees collected before funds are deposited into the Juneteenth License Plate Fund.
  • The Chief Administrator must annually certify the average cost per license plate to the State Treasurer, with approval by the Joint Budget Oversight Committee. If the average cost per plate exceeds the $50 application fee in two consecutive fiscal years, issuance of Juneteenth plates may be discontinued.

Publicity and Cooperation

  • The MVC must notify eligible motorists about Juneteenth plates via its website.
  • The NJHC and the MVC may publicize the plates as appropriate.
  • A memorandum of agreement (MOA) must be developed between the MVC and the NJHC detailing each party’s responsibilities.
  • The NJHC must appoint a liaison to coordinate with the MVC on Juneteenth plate matters.

Conditions for Activation and Expiration

  • The act takes effect immediately but remains inoperative until two conditions are met: 1) Non-public funds are secured to offset initial program costs. 2) The NJHC liaison provides at least 500 completed applications (with the total cost for the initial order).
  • If these conditions are not satisfied by the end of the 12th month following enactment, the act expires.

Affected Parties

  • Vehicle owners and lessees in New Jersey who opt to obtain Juneteenth license plates (additional $50 initial fee + $10 annual renewal).
  • New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (administrative implementation and ongoing administration).
  • New Jersey Historical Commission (program oversight, design input, and use of funds for commemorative activities).
  • Non-public donors designated by the NJHC contributing up to $25,000 toward initial costs.

Timeline and Procedural Details

  • Activation contingent upon:
    • Securing non-public funds for initial costs, and
    • Receiving at least 500 completed applications as the initial order.
  • Initial costs reimbursed using non-public funds; ongoing costs offset by application fees (with final annual cost reporting and oversight).
  • Potential discontinuation of the program if average cost per plate exceeds the $50 application fee for two consecutive fiscal years.
  • The act becomes effective immediately but delays operative status until conditions are met, with a sunset if not satisfied within 12 months.

Practical Impact

  • Creates a commemorative Juneteenth plates option with a dedicated funding stream for Juneteenth-related commemorations.
  • Requires private funding to launch, preserving public funds for other uses.
  • Establishes a formal partnership between the MVC and NJHC to manage design, funding, and outreach.

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

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