The bill amends Sections 32-6-271 and 32-6-280 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to increase the annual fee for distinctive motor vehicle license plates for volunteer and professional firefighters from $1.00 to $10.00. The proceeds from this fee will be allocated to various funds, with 15% going to the Alabama Joint Fire Council for the Alabama Firefighter Memorial, 15% for the Firefighter Peer Support Program, and 35% each to the Alabama Firefighters Annuity and Benefit Fund and the State of Alabama Firefighters Emergency Relief Fund. Additionally, the bill mandates that the funds generated by this fee be audited every three years.

The bill also updates definitions for "professional firefighter" and "retired professional firefighter," allowing both groups to apply for the distinctive license plates without the previously required $3 fee. It introduces stricter penalties for individuals who falsely obtain or certify for these plates, classifying such actions as a Class C misdemeanor. Furthermore, the bill specifies the design requirements for the plates and clarifies the type of plates being discussed by inserting the term "license." The effective date for these changes is set for January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 32-6-271, 32-6-280
Engrossed: 32-6-271, 32-6-280