The bill amends Sections 32-6-271 and 32-6-280 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to increase the annual additional fee for distinctive motor vehicle license plates for volunteer and professional firefighters from $1.00 to $10.00. The collected fees will be distributed equally among four funds: 25% to the Alabama Joint Fire Council for the Alabama Firefighter Memorial, 25% for the Firefighter Peer Support Program, 25% to the Alabama Firefighters Annuity and Benefit Fund, and 25% to the Alabama Firefighters Emergency Relief Fund. Additionally, the bill mandates that these funds be audited every three years. It also removes the previous requirement for a $3 fee when applying for the plates and clarifies that the distinctive plates can only be used on personally owned, private passenger vehicles registered in the firefighter's name.

Moreover, the bill expands eligibility for distinctive license plates to include both professional and retired professional firefighters, allowing them to apply for these plates. It outlines the design process in coordination with firefighter associations and provides a mechanism for individuals who join fire departments after the annual eligibility list is published to obtain a distinctive license plate by proving their membership. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, and includes penalties for individuals who falsely obtain or certify for these distinctive license plates.

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