The bill amends sections 4503.038, 4503.19, and 5502.68 of the Revised Code and introduces new sections 4503.261 and 4503.262, allowing the registrar of motor vehicles to contract with a private vendor for the issuance of specialty license plates. The registrar is mandated to establish a service fee of five dollars applicable to various sections of the Revised Code, including the new specialty plate sections. The vendor will be responsible for designing and marketing the plates, while the registrar maintains authority over the issuance and collection of related taxes and fees. The contract with the vendor can last up to two years with possible extensions and must ensure electronic compatibility, security, and compliance with copyright laws.

Additionally, the bill creates the public safety license plate contract fund, funded by fees from the specialty license plate program, and modifies the existing drug law enforcement fund to include contributions from this program to support drug task forces. It outlines application procedures for these funds, including local funding match requirements and limits on the amount a single drug task force can request annually. The bill prioritizes funding for drug task forces that received support in 2007 and those in larger counties, while also defining a "drug task force" and establishing reporting requirements for grant recipients. It also includes a provision to repeal the previously mentioned sections of the Revised Code, indicating a significant update to the legal framework governing drug task forces.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 4503.038, 4503.19, 5502.68