This bill establishes a new special registration plate for the U.S.S. Iowa (BB-61), a retired battleship, by amending Section 321.34 of the Iowa Code. It introduces a new subsection that allows the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue these plates upon application and payment of a special fee of $35 for letter-number designated plates. The bill mandates that the DOT solicit designs from the public and conduct a vote on its website to select the final design. Additionally, it sets annual fees of $10 for letter-number plates and $5 for personalized plates, which are in addition to regular registration fees. The collected fees will be deposited into the road use tax fund and subsequently appropriated to the Department of Veterans Affairs for grants to organizations involved in the maintenance of the U.S.S. Iowa.

Furthermore, the bill specifies that the DOT cannot require a minimum number of orders for the issuance of the U.S.S. Iowa plates and allows the department to adopt rules for the administration of this new program. If the final design does not comply with existing laws, the DOT is required to submit legislation to the General Assembly for necessary changes. This initiative aims to honor the service of the U.S.S. Iowa while providing a means of funding for its preservation through the sale of these special plates.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 321.34