MTR VEHICLE/LICEN PLATES: Modifies the current and retired legislators special prestige license plates fee distribution

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Larry Bagley

The bill replaces a one-time fee with an annual $25 royalty plus $3.50 handling, directing proceeds to the Division of Administration for Pentagon Barracks restoration.

Effective date: 08/01/2026.

Purpose and Intent

HB 988 proposes to modify the fee structure and funding mechanism for current and retired legislators’ special prestige license plates.

The bill designates that annual royalty fees be collected by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPS&C) and directs the proceeds to the Division of Administration (DOA) for restoration efforts at the Pentagon Barracks.

Key Provisions and Changes

Current Law (baseline):

Retired legislators’ special prestige license plates require a one-time fee of $25, in addition to the regular motor vehicle registration fee.
For legislators’ special prestige license plates (general), a one-time fee of $25 is also charged in addition to the regular registration fee.

Proposed Changes Under HB 988:

Annual Royalty Fee: Replace or supplement the one-time $25 with an annual royalty fee of $25 for both current and retired legislators’ special prestige license plates.
Handling Fee: In addition to the annual royalty, a handling fee of $3.50 per plate would be retained by the DPS&C to offset administrative costs.
Fee Distribution: The annual royalty fees collected by the DPS&C would be forwarded to the DOA (Division of Administration).
Use of Funds: The royalties would be used for restoration efforts of the Pentagon Barracks.
Implementation and Administrative Rules: The Secretary of DPS&C would promulgate rules to implement these provisions, including rules governing:
Transfer and disposition of plates upon the recipient’s death
Plate design

Applicability:

Applies to both current and retired legislators’ special prestige license plates (Section 463.37 for retired legislators; Section 463.49 for legislators generally).

Affected Parties and Impacts

License Plate Holders:

Current and retired legislators with special prestige plates would be subject to an annual royalty fee of $25 plus a $3.50 handling fee, rather than the prior model that used a one-time $25 fee.

State Agencies:

DPS&C would collect the annual royalties and handling fees.
DOA would receive the royalty proceeds for restoration projects.

Specific Use of Funds:

Funds are earmarked specifically for the restoration efforts of the Pentagon Barracks.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

Effective Details: The bill outlines implementation requirements and administrative regulations by the DPS&C Secretary.

Transfer/Disposition Rules: Regulations would cover design of the plate and handling of plates upon death of the recipient.

Status: As of the latest action, the bill was reported favorably (14-0) in committee; it has been read by title and lies over under the rules prior to potential floor action.

Why This Matters

Shifts from a one-time fee model to an ongoing annual royalty structure for prestige license plates.

Creates a dedicated funding stream to support preservation and restoration work at the Pentagon Barracks through the DOA.

Adds administrative mechanisms to manage plate transfers, deaths, and design through regulatory rules.

Bill