This bill introduces an outdoor recreation license plate endorsement in Minnesota, allowing specific motor vehicles, such as passenger automobiles, noncommercial one-ton pickup trucks, motorcycles, and recreational motor vehicles, to access state parks and recreation areas. The endorsement will be indicated by a distinctive sticker that must be affixed to the vehicle's license plate. The bill amends various sections of Minnesota Statutes to include provisions for the issuance of these endorsement stickers and establishes an outdoor recreation endorsement account within the natural resources fund to manage the revenue generated from endorsement fees. The fees for the endorsement will start at $15 for registrations between January 1, 2027, and December 31, 2028, and will increase to $19 for registrations on or after January 1, 2031.

Additionally, the bill outlines the process for obtaining the endorsement, including modifications to the vehicle registration application and the provision of information regarding the benefits of the endorsement. It specifies eligibility criteria for vehicles, restrictions on transferring the endorsement, and mandates that the commissioner provide public information about the endorsement. Certain exemptions regarding fees for veterans are also included. The effective date for these changes is set for January 1, 2027, for endorsements issued on or after that date, and the bill includes an appropriation for implementation costs.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 85.053, 168.002, 168.012, 168.0135, 168.09, 168.12, 168.27, 168.29, 169.79