The bill proposes the repeal of section 26.140 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri and enacts two new sections, 26.140 and 301.3064, which relate to the issuance of license plates for consular officers. The new language specifies that consular officers, including consuls general, consuls, vice consuls, consular agents, and honorary consuls, will receive identification cards that affirm their rights and privileges. Additionally, these officers are authorized to use a motor vehicle identification plate issued under the new section 301.3064, which identifies them as official consular officers. The bill also establishes penalties for unauthorized use of these plates. Section 301.3064 outlines the process for issuing special motor vehicle license plates to recognized consular officers residing in Missouri. These plates will feature a navy blue background and may include a depiction of the national flag of the consular officer's home country, but will not contain any wording that identifies their consular status. The plates will have a unique alphanumeric identifier starting with the letter "C" and will be issued upon application, verification of credentials, and payment of fees. The bill also ensures that previously issued "Honorary Consul" plates remain valid until their next renewal, at which point they will be reissued according to the new provisions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced (5897H.01): 26.140, 301.3064