The bill amends Sections 32-6-65 and 32-6-233.1 of the Code of Alabama 1975, focusing on the enforcement and penalties associated with driving without a valid license plate and violations of disability parking regulations. Key provisions include the introduction of a uniform registration renewal form for statewide use and a $15 penalty for late vehicle registration. Law enforcement officers are mandated to arrest individuals operating vehicles without current license plates, with a minimum fine of $25. The bill also stipulates that penalties from these violations will be distributed similarly to motor vehicle registration fees, with half of the penalties from license plate violations allocated to the arresting officer's employing entity. Additionally, the bill increases fines for repeated disability parking violations and mandates community service for second and subsequent offenses, while modifying the distribution of fines collected from these violations.

The bill further establishes a separate fund in the State Treasury for the Department of Mental Health, the Administrative Office of Courts, and state law enforcement agencies, ensuring that these funds will not revert to the State General Fund at the end of any fiscal year. It clarifies the authority of municipal law enforcement officers and state troopers to tow vehicles illegally parked in accessible spaces and to issue violations for access aisle violations, with specific legal language changes made to reflect these responsibilities. Notably, the phrase "are authorized to have" is replaced with "may cause" regarding towing, and "are authorized to ticket" is changed to "may issue violations for" concerning access aisle violations. The definition of "access aisle" is updated to align with ADA standards, and the act is set to be repealed three years after October 1, 2025, becoming effective on that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 32-6-65, 32-6-233
Engrossed: 32-6-65, 32-6-233
Enrolled: 32-6-65, 32-6-233