WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 96

MOTOR VEHICLES: Creates the "Fallen Heroes" prestige license plate. (8/1/26)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Abraham and 25 co-sponsors

Creates a Fallen Heroes specialty plate to fund bulletproof vests for Louisiana peace officers through a $25 annual royalty once 1,000 applicants enroll.

Effective date 8/1/2026.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 96

Summary of Bill SB 96 (Louisiana, 2026 Session)

Purpose and Intent

SB 96 proposes to create a new special prestige license plate for Louisiana motorists—the “Fallen Heroes” plate. The plate is intended to honor law enforcement officers and provide funding for protective equipment for peace officers in the state.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • New Special Prestige Plate: Establishes a Louisiana motor vehicle license plate named the “Fallen Heroes” plate. The design must include the words “Fallen Heroes” and must comply with existing design standards for prestige plates (per R.S. 47:463(A)(3)).
  • Eligibility and Allocation to Issuance: The plate would be issued to Louisiana residents in the same manner as other license plates, but only if a minimum of 1,000 applicants sign up for the plate.
  • System Readiness: The Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) can create and issue the plate once the department’s electronic vehicle and title registration system is updated to accommodate new plates.
  • Fees and Revenue:
    • Annual Royalty Fee: $25 per plate, collected annually in addition to the standard motor vehicle license tax.
    • Handling Fee: A $3.50 handling fee per plate retained by the OMV to offset administrative costs.
  • Use of Collected Funds: The annual royalty fees are to be forwarded to the Capital Area Law Enforcement Foundation for the purchase of bulletproof vests (body armor) for Louisiana peace officers.
  • Regulatory Authority: The Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections is authorized to promulgate rules necessary to implement the provisions of the new section.
  • Effective Date: August 1, 2026.

Who/What is Affected

  • Motorists in Louisiana: Residents may opt for the Fallen Heroes plate when applying for or renewing a license plate, provided the 1,000-applicant threshold is met.
  • Louisiana Peace Officers: Benefits from the funding mechanism; proceeds are designated for protective equipment (bulletproof vests) through the Capital Area Law Enforcement Foundation.
  • Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections & OMV: Responsible for implementing the plate, updating the electronic registration system, collecting the royalty, and administering the program.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill specifies an eligibility threshold (minimum of 1,000 applicants) before the plate can be issued.
  • Plate creation is contingent on updates to the OMV’s electronic system.
  • The program becomes effective August 1, 2026, assuming passage and any required regulatory actions are completed.

Notes

  • The legislation adds a distinct funding stream tied to a protective equipment initiative for law enforcement, separate from standard plate taxes, with administrative costs offset by a small handling fee.
  • The bill adds a new subsection to Title 47 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes (adds R.S. 47:463.243).

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

Sign in to ask a question.