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SB 1061

Vehicles: registration plates; certain configurations of specialized license plates; prohibit. Amends sec. 803m of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.803m).

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Stephanie Chang and 1 co-sponsor

SB 1061 restricts special organization plates to avoid offensive, illegal, or identify-confusing configurations, preserving SOS controls and fees.

referred to Committee on Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure
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Bill Summary · SB 1061

Summary — SB 1061 (Michigan)

Title: Vehicles: registration plates; certain configurations of specialized license plates; prohibit. Amends sec. 803m of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.803m).

Purpose

SB 1061 amends Michigan’s Vehicle Code to restrict the letter/number configurations that may appear on special organization registration plates, codifying content restrictions the Secretary of State (SOS) has been using informally. The goal is to prohibit offensive, illegal, or law‑interfering plate configurations from being manufactured and issued.

Key provisions

  • Clarifies that special organization plates must not bear any letter/number configuration that:
    • Conflicts with the regular license plate numbering system.
    • Carries a profane or obscene connotation, is a swear word (or depicts one), is sexually explicit/graphic, excretory‑related, or describes intimate body parts/genitals.
    • Describes alcohol, alcohol use, drugs, drug culture, drug use, an illegal activity, or an illegal substance.
    • Substantially interferes with plate identification for law enforcement purposes.
    • Disparages, promotes, or condones hate or violence directed at any business, group, or person.
    • Is a foreign word substantially similar to any prohibited configuration above.
  • Retains existing SOS authority and plate requirements: SOS may issue two types of special organization plates for passenger vehicles, pickup trucks, vans, and motorhomes; plates must not duplicate other registration plates; material and symbol placement conform to standard plates.
  • Reiterates organization qualification criteria (already in law): applicant organization must be a nonprofit fraternal or public service organization, certify at least 500 members will apply for the plate, have a recognizable symbol/emblem, pay a $500 initial manufacture fee for emblem production, and comply with anti‑discrimination requirements under the Elliott‑Larsen Civil Rights Act.
  • Administrative details preserved: $25 service fee for new special organization plate applications (not charged for renewal), temporary registration permits while awaiting plate issuance, and application procedures per section 217.

Who is affected

  • Vehicle registrants applying for special organization plates and organizations seeking an organization plate program.
  • Secretary of State administration (application review/issuance).
  • Law enforcement and the general public (fewer potentially offensive or confusing plates in public view).

Procedural / timeline

  • Introduced: November 7, 2024 (Sen. Ed McBroom and Sen. Stephanie Chang were sponsors of the companion bills).
  • The bill was tie‑barred with SB 1060 (which addresses personalized plates under MCL 257.803b).
  • Passed both chambers, enrolled, and signed by the Governor on June 20, 2025.
  • Effective date: September 1, 2025.
  • Nonpartisan staff noted that in 2023 the SOS issued more than 48,000 personalized plates, and this bill codifies guidance the SOS already uses.

Fiscal impact

  • Nonpartisan legislative analysis: no fiscal impact on State or local government.

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

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