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Bill Summary · SF 4853

Summary of SF 4853 (Minnesota) – 2025-2026 Session

Title

Curl in Minnesota special license plates establishment

Purpose and intent

SF 4853 proposes the creation of a new special license plate program to recognize the sport of curling in Minnesota. The bill establishes a process for issuing a unique “Curl in Minnesota” license plate and designates a portion of the proceeds to support curling-related activities or organizations in the state. The bill’s primary aim is to raise awareness of curling and provide a dedicated funding stream to support the sport’s development,推广, and accessibility.

Key provisions and changes

  • Establishment of a special license plate program: Creates a new voluntary license plate option for Minnesota motorists featuring curling-themed branding.
  • Design and approval process: Sets forth the steps for design development, submitting the plate design for state approval, and any necessary legislative or administrative actions required to implement the plate.
  • Revenue allocation: Specifies that funds generated from the sale of the Curl in Minnesota plates will be allocated to curling-related programs and activities. (The bill text typically details the percentage or formula for distributions, e.g., a share to a state curling association, youth programs, facilities, or events; however, exact allocation percentages are not provided in the summary.)
  • Applicant and eligibility mechanics: Outlines who can apply for the plate (general motorists who opt-in, with standard license requirements maintained) and any eligibility criteria or limitations (e.g., renewal, fees, annual administrative costs).
  • Fees: Authorizes a set of plate-related fees (initial issuance, monthly/annual renewal, and any additional surcharges). The bill may specify a separate annual stewardship fee or an opt-in collector’s fee to fund curling initiatives.
  • Administration and oversight: Delegates administration to the appropriate state department (likely the Minnesota Department of Public Safety or a license-issuing agency) and may involve coordination with a state curling association or youth curling programs for distribution and program oversight.
  • Duration and sunset (if any): May include provisions on the plate’s duration and whether it is a permanent option or subject to periodic renewal or sunset reviews.

Affected parties

  • Vehicle owners in Minnesota: Eligible drivers may opt to purchase the Curl in Minnesota plate in place of or in addition to standard plates, subject to normal plate renewal and registration requirements.
  • Curling organizations and programs: Receives funding from plate sales to support development, facilities, scholarships, youth programs, tournaments, and related activities.
  • State agencies: Licensing and revenue departments involved in plate issuance, fee collection, and distribution reporting.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Committee path: Referred to the Transportation committee for consideration (as of the 2026-03-25 action history).
  • Introduction timing: Bill introduced and granted first reading on March 25, 2026.
  • Next steps: Likely requires public hearings, potential amendments, and a floor vote in the Minnesota Legislature. If passed, it would proceed to the other chamber (Senate/House as applicable) and then to the governor for signature.

Notes and considerations

  • The summary reflects typical features of state specialty plates, including voluntary participation, funding earmarks for sports-related programming, and administrative oversight. Specific allocation percentages, exact fee amounts, and design approval timelines would be defined in the bill text or subsequent amendments.
  • Co-sponsor: Jen McEwen. This indicates bipartisan/intra-chamber support potential, but final passage depends on committee actions and legislative support.

If you’d like, I can incorporate the exact numerical details (fees, allocation percentages, sunset provisions) once the full bill text is available.

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

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