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Bill

HB 1944

TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE AND RENEWAL OF A SPECIAL LICENSE PLATE TO PROMOTE AND SUPPORT THE ARKANSAS EMS FOUNDATION; AND TO REPEAL THE GRAND LODGE OF ARKANSAS SPECIAL LICENSE PLATE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Justin Boyd and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 1944 creates a special license plate for the Arkansas EMS Foundation, collecting fees to support its work while repealing the Grand Lodge of Arkansas plate.

Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 1944

Summary of House Bill 1944

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1944 (HB 1944) was introduced to authorize the issuance and renewal of a special license plate designed to promote and support the Arkansas EMS Foundation. Additionally, the bill aimed to repeal the existing special license plate for the Grand Lodge of Arkansas.

Key Provisions

  • Creation of a New License Plate:

    • The bill mandates the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration to create and issue a special license plate for the Arkansas EMS Foundation.
    • The design of the plate would be developed in consultation with the Arkansas EMS Foundation.

  • Fees and Contributions:

    • Vehicle owners would pay a registration fee along with a $25 design-use contribution specifically for the Arkansas EMS Foundation.
    • An additional $10 handling and administrative fee would also be required, which would be deposited into the State Central Services Fund.

  • Renewal Process:

    • The special license plate could be renewed annually, with fees collected for renewals also directed to the Arkansas EMS Foundation.

  • Repeal of Existing License Plate:

    • The bill includes a provision to repeal the special license plate for the Grand Lodge of Arkansas, which had similar fee structures and purposes.

Affected Parties

  • Arkansas EMS Foundation: The primary beneficiary of the new license plate, receiving funds to support its operations and initiatives.
  • Motor Vehicle Owners: Individuals who choose to purchase the new special license plate would be subject to the associated fees.
  • Grand Lodge of Arkansas: The repeal of their special license plate would affect members who previously utilized this option.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: March 31, 2025
  • House Actions:
    • Passed in the House on April 8, 2025.
    • Received and referred to the Senate on April 9, 2025.
  • Senate Actions:
    • Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment on May 5, 2025.

Conclusion

While HB 1944 aimed to support the Arkansas EMS Foundation through a new special license plate, it ultimately did not progress past the Senate Committee stage. The bill's provisions reflect an effort to generate funding for emergency medical services in Arkansas while also streamlining the special license plate offerings by eliminating the Grand Lodge of Arkansas plate.

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

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