Senate Bill 297 aims to establish a new special group for individuals who support the protection of pollinators by allowing them to obtain special registration plates from the Department of Transportation (DOT). The bill mandates that these plates feature a design that covers the entire plate and includes the phrase "Protect Pollinators." In addition to the standard registration fee, members of this special group will be required to make a voluntary payment of $25 for the issuance or renewal of the plates. The bill specifies that DOT will retain up to $23,700 from these payments to cover initial production costs, with any excess funds being deposited into the conservation fund for the Department of Natural Resources' endangered resources program.

The bill also includes several amendments and new provisions related to the management of funds associated with these special plates. It amends existing statutes to incorporate the new special group and its associated fees, while also creating a new section that outlines the financial handling of the voluntary payments. Notably, it specifies that the voluntary payment is deductible as a charitable contribution for tax purposes. The bill appropriates $23,700 from the general fund to cover the initial production costs of the plates and outlines the effective date for the legislation.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 20.370(1)(fs), 20.370, 20.395(5)(cj), 20.395, 25.29(1)(f), 25.29, 341.14(6r)(c), 341.14, 341.14(6r)(e), 341.14(6r)(fm)7