Assembly Bill 483 proposes significant changes to the imposition of local vehicle registration fees, commonly known as wheel taxes, by requiring that such fees be approved through a referendum. Under the current law, municipalities and counties can enact ordinances to impose these fees without direct voter approval. The bill amends section 341.35 (1) of the statutes to stipulate that a governing body may only impose a registration fee if it is first approved by a majority of electors voting in a referendum held during a regularly scheduled election. Additionally, the bill creates a new section, 341.35 (1g), which outlines the referendum process, including the specific language that must be used in the ballot question.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that municipalities or counties that have already imposed a registration fee prior to the bill's enactment must also seek voter approval through a referendum within 18 months of the bill becoming law. If the referendum question is approved, the registration fee can continue; if not, the fee must be discontinued. This legislative change aims to enhance local governance by ensuring that residents have a direct say in the imposition of vehicle registration fees that affect them.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 341.35(1), 341.35