The bill, introduced by Representative Jarrells, seeks to amend section 4501.21 and enact section 4503.897 of the Revised Code to create a new specialty license plate titled the "Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr." license plate. This initiative is part of a broader effort to support charitable causes in Ohio through specialty license plates. The bill establishes a license plate contribution fund to collect donations from motor vehicle registrants, which will be allocated by the registrar of motor vehicles to various organizations and initiatives, including health care, education, and community services. Additionally, the bill mandates that contributions received by schools and districts must be used exclusively for promoting the mental and emotional well-being of students, with strict guidelines on the use of these funds. Moreover, the bill introduces a new administrative fee of ten dollars for the issuance of the "Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr." license plates, which will be deposited into the state treasury for public safety purposes. It also outlines that the registrar must issue a validation sticker upon receiving a registration application, which includes payment of the regular license tax and any additional fees. Importantly, the registrar cannot reject an application based on the applicant's choice not to contribute to the license plate fund. The bill repeals the existing section 4501.21, indicating a significant overhaul in the management of contributions and fees related to motor vehicle registrations.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 4501.21