Assembly Bill 290 aims to establish a special group for individuals who support the protection of pollinators by allowing them to obtain unique special registration plates from the Department of Transportation (DOT). The plates will 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 these plates. The bill stipulates 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 modifies existing statutes to incorporate the new special group and its associated fees, while also ensuring that the voluntary payment can be considered 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 process for the design and issuance of these plates. The act is set to take effect on the first day of the 10th month following publication or 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