Senate Bill 297 aims to establish a 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 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 use by the Department of Natural Resources in their 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 include the new special group and its associated fees, while also creating new sections to ensure that the funds collected are appropriately allocated. Notably, it modifies the language regarding the collection of fees and voluntary payments, ensuring that the funds are directed towards conservation efforts. The bill is set to take effect on the first day of the 10th month following publication or on the second day after the publication of the 2025 biennial budget act, whichever is later.

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