The bill, identified as HB322 Enrolled, pertains to Calhoun County and seeks to authorize the Calhoun County Commission to levy an additional vehicle license and registration fee. This fee would apply to each new registration, transfer, or renewal of any vehicle within the county. The proposed fee is up to two dollars ($2) and would be in addition to all other existing fees, taxes, and charges related to vehicle licensing and registration. The bill specifies that the fee would commence with the motor vehicle license and registration year starting on January 1, 2025, provided it is levied by the county commission before December 1, 2024. Once levied, the commission may not levy, amend, or reduce the fee, which is intended to be a continuous annual charge.
The proceeds from this additional fee are to be distributed monthly by the License Commissioner to the sheriff of Calhoun County. The funds are to be deposited into the Sheriff's Law Enforcement Fund and are designated for law enforcement purposes. The bill also includes a provision to ensure that the proceeds from the fees will not replace or reduce any other source of funding for the sheriff's office. The act is set to become effective on October 1, 2024. The bill has been passed by the House on April 2, 2024, and by the Senate on May 2, 2024, as indicated by the insertion in the text.