This bill amends the Michigan Vehicle Code to establish a special fundraising license plate for the Upper Peninsula, aimed at supporting its preservation and development. The Secretary of State is tasked with creating and issuing this plate, which will feature a design selected by the Upper Peninsula Plate Commission. Vehicle owners can apply for this plate instead of a standard registration plate, with associated fees including a donation to the Upper Peninsula board and costs for manufacturing the plate. The bill also establishes the Upper Peninsula Grant Fund, which will receive donations from the sale of these plates and will be managed by the newly created Upper Peninsula board.

The Upper Peninsula board, appointed by the governor, will oversee the grant fund and award grants to support commerce, arts, and history in the region. The board will consist of five members with specific expertise and will operate under open meeting laws. Additionally, the bill creates the Upper Peninsula Plate Commission, responsible for organizing a design contest for the plate, with specific guidelines for submissions and a timeline for announcing the winning design. The commission will also ensure that all copyright interests in the designs are relinquished upon submission.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 257.1, 257.923