Summary — HB 25-1036: Missing Murdered Indigenous Relative License Plate
Bill number: HB 25-1036
Title: Missing Murdered Indigenous Relative License Plate
Introduced: January 8, 2025
Primary sponsors: Rep. Elizabeth Velasco; Rep. Jessie Danielson
Current status (as of provided actions): House Committee on Appropriations — Lay Over Unamended (Amendment(s) Failed)
Committee actions:
- 2025-01-08: Introduced in House; assigned to Finance
- 2025-02-03: House Committee on Finance — Refer Amended to Appropriations
- 2025-05-13: House Committee on Appropriations — Lay Over Unamended; Amendment(s) Failed
Note: The bill text itself was not provided. The summary below describes the bill’s purpose as indicated by its title and the typical contents and impacts of similar specialty license plate legislation. For exact statutory language, fee amounts, fund recipients, and effective dates, consult the bill text or legislative services.
Purpose and intent
The bill intends to create a specialty (commemorative) motor vehicle license plate that recognizes and raises awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR). The plate is designed to provide public visibility for the issue and to generate revenue that may support related education, prevention, survivor services, or advocacy programs.
Key provisions likely included
Although the bill text is not provided, specialty plate bills commonly contain the following elements; HB 25-1036 is expected to include similar provisions:
- Authorization for the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent state agency) to design and issue a "Missing Murdered Indigenous Relative" license plate.
- Specification of design elements or an authorization process for design approval (often in consultation with Indigenous communities or an advisory group).
- A required initial minimum number of orders before the plate can be produced (minimum-issue threshold).
- A one-time or annual specialty plate fee in addition to regular registration fees, and a description of how that fee is collected.
- Direction to deposit net proceeds into a designated fund or to distribute proceeds to named state programs, tribal organizations, or nonprofit entities focused on MMIR-related services (e.g., support for families, prevention programs, or public education).
- Administrative provisions giving the DMV rulemaking authority to implement the plate, including production, marketing, and accounting.
- Effective date and any transitional or sunset provisions.
Who would be affected
- Drivers who choose to purchase the specialty plate (additional fee applied).
- Indigenous people, families of missing or murdered relatives, and organizations working on MMIR issues (potential recipients of proceeds, increased visibility).
- Department of Motor Vehicles (administrative responsibilities to produce, sell, and account for the plate).
- State budget/appropriations if administrative start-up costs or seed funding are required, or if the bill creates a new state fund.
Potential impacts
- Increased public awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives.
- Dedicated revenue stream (size depends on the plate fee and purchase rate) for MMIR-related programs or organizations if the bill directs distribution of proceeds.
- Administrative and production costs for the DMV; possible need for appropriations or internal reallocation to create the plate.
- Symbolic recognition that may support outreach and advocacy efforts.
Procedural/timeline notes
- The bill has moved from introduction (Jan 8, 2025) through the House Finance Committee (referred as amended to Appropriations on Feb 3) and was laid over in Appropriations on May 13, 2025. “Lay over unamended” typically means consideration was postponed without adoption of further amendments at that time; listed amendments were considered but failed. Further committee action, floor action, or referral to the Senate would be required for enactment.
Next steps / where to find more
To determine the bill’s exact provisions (fee amounts, recipient(s) of proceeds, minimum order threshold, effective date), consult the official bill text and fiscal note from the legislature’s website or contact the bill sponsors’ offices or the legislative staff who handled the Finance/Appropriations review.
