ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session

Majority Research Staff

House: TI DPA 7-0-0-0

HB 2127: ~~bronze star medal license plates~~

NOW: department of transportation; special plates

Sponsor: Representative Carter N, LD 15

House Engrossed

Overview

Establishes outlined Special Plates and Funds.

History

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is required to provide every vehicle owner one license plate for every vehicle registered upon application and payment of fees (A.R.S. § 28-2351). Statute requires ADOT to issue or renew special plates according to specified requirements (A.R.S. § 28-2403). An initial and annual renewal fee of $25 is required for the special plate in addition to the vehicle registration fees. Of the $25 special plate fee, $8 is an administrative fee and $17 is an annual donation (A.R.S. §§ 28-2402, 28-2404). Special plates require a standard $32,000 implementation fee.

All license plates, including special plates, that are designed or redesigned after September 24, 2022, are required to have: 1) the background color of the license plate contrast significantly with the color of the letters and numerals and the name of the state on the license plate; and 2) the name of the state appear on the license plate in capital letters in sans serif font with a height of three-fourths of an inch (A.R.S. § 28-2351).

ADOT must issue a Purple Heart Medal License Plate or a Distinguished Flying Cross License Plates to a person who submits satisfactory proof to ADOT that the person is a veteran and a bona fide purple heart medal or distinguished flying cross recipient and to an immediate family member of the veteran. For each pair of original license plates, ADOT must collect a $25 fee and a $5 fee for each annual renewal of license plates, in addition to the registration fee. ADOT must deposit the $25 fee as a donation in the Veterans' Donation Fund (A.R.S. §§ 28-2474, 28-2476).

Provisions

Bronze and Silver Star Special Plates (Sec. 4)

Establishes the Bronze and Silver Star Special Plates.
Requires ADOT, from and after, December 31, 2026, to issue distinctive license plates to a person who submits satisfactory proof to ADOT that the person is a veteran and a bona fide bronze or sliver star recipient and to an immediate family member of the veteran.
Directs ADOT to collect a $25 fee for each original license plate and to charge a $5 fee for each annual renewal of the license plate, in addition to the registration fee.
Tasks ADOT with depositing the $25 fee in the Veteran's Donation Fund.

Skin Cancer Prevention Special Plate and Fund (Sec. 3)

5. Establishes the Skin Cancer Prevention Special Plate and Fund (Skin Cancer Fund) if a person pays $32,000 to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) by December 31, 2026.

6. Requires the Director of ADOT (Director) to annually allocate Skin Cancer Fund monies to support an entity that:

is headquartered and incorporated in this state since 2011;
provides skin cancer prevention education and preventative examinations, sun protection and hygiene products to promote skin cancer prevention awareness and education in this state as outlined;
arranges for the construction of permanent sun shade structures at schools, churches and community parks for protection from heat and from sun damage; and
has a mission to organize volunteer medical professionals and medical residents and other community volunteers and medical school, college and high school students to promote skin cancer prevention awareness and education at community events and to improve the quality of life in both urban and rural areas in this state.

Diabetes Awareness Special Plate and Fund (Sec. 3)

7. Establishes the Diabetes Awareness Special Plate and Fund (Diabetes Fund) if a person pays $32,000 to ADOT by December 31, 2026.

8. Requires the Director to annually allocate monies from the Diabetes Fund to support an entity that:

has been founded in 2022 and is headquartered in this state;
supports persons who are living with diabetes and their families through a support network crafted by diabetics; and
provides education and resources to inform the general public about diabetes.

Small Business Advocate Special Plate and Fund (Sec. 3)

9. Establishes the Small Business Advocate Special Plate and Fund (Small Business Fund) if a person pays $32,000 to ADOT by December 31, 2026.

10. Requires the Director to annually allocate Small Business Fund monies to support an entity that:

is headquartered in this state;
has been in existence for at least 50 years;
serves as a statewide nonpartisan advocate and resource hub for small businesses in this state; and
provides education resources to entrepreneurs, including workshops, mentorship programs and events that are designed to provide relevant knowledge and skills.

Grand Canyon Preservation Special Plate and Fund (Sec. 3)

11. Establishes the Grand Canyon Preservation Special Plate and Fund (Preservation Fund) if a person pays $32,000 to ADOT by December 31, 2026.

12. Requires the Director to annually allocate Preservation Fund monies to support an entity that:

fundraises, operates retail shops that are located in this state and in the Grand Canyon national park and provides educational programs about the natural and cultural history of the Grand Canyon region;
uses fundraising monies to fund projects located in this state and in the Grand Canyon national park, including trail creation, and maintenance, historic building preservation, educational programs for the public and protection of wildlife and natural habitats;
assists the Grand Canyon national park by providing enriching visitor experiences and protecting the Grand Canyon national park for future generations; and
advocates for the protection of the Grand Canyon national park.

Recycling Refurbished Electronics Special Plate and Fund (Sec. 3)

13. Establishes the Recycling Refurbished Electronics Special Plate and Fund (Electronics Fund) if a person pays $32,000 to ADOT by December 31, 2026.

14. Requires the Director to annually allocate Electronics Fund monies to support an entity that:

responsibly collects electronic waste located in this state;
refurbishes and distributes computing and communication devices to residents of this state; and
educates and provides workforce development.

Adaptive Sports and Recreation Special Plate and Fund (Sec. 3)

Establishes the Adaptive Sports and Recreation Special Plate and Fund (Sports Fund) if a person pays $32,000 to ADOT by December 31, 2026.
Requires the Director to annually allocate monies from the Sports Fund to support an entity that:

has been founded in 2018;
provides adaptive equipment for water sports and trains volunteers to assist persons with physical or cognitive disabilities, regardless of age, to access water sports throughout this state, including waterskiing, wakeboarding, wakesurfing, kayaking, fishing, boating and tubing; and
promotes physical wellness, emotional healing and a sense of belonging.

Blood and Biologics Special Plate and Fund (Sec. 3)

Establishes the Blood and Biologics Special Plate and Fund (Biologics Fund) if a person pays $32,000 to ADOT by December 31, 2026.
Requires the Director to annually allocate monies from the Biologics Fund to support an entity that:

secures and stewards charitable gifts to connect blood and biologics donors with recipients;
uses financial contributions and gifts to improve lives by providing essential blood products, clinical services, medical consultation and innovative research; and
engages with sponsors for community blood drives and mobile bloodmobiles.

Astronomy Center Special Plate and Fund (Sec. 3)

Establishes the Astronomy Center Special Plate and Fund (Astronomy Fund) if a person pays $32,000 to ADOT by December 31, 2026.
Requires the Director to annually allocate Astronomy Fund monies to support an entity that:

is governed by an independent board of trustees;
manages long-term endowment goals or short-term targeted donations for an observatory that pursues the study of astronomy in this state; and
supports the work of an astronomy observatory located in the Flagstaff area.

Law Enforcement Charity Organization Special Plate and Fund (Sec. 3)

Establishes the Law Enforcement Charity Organization Special Plate and Fund (Law Charity Fund) if a person pays $32,000 to ADOT by December 31, 2026.
Requires the Director to annually allocate Law Charity Fund monies to support an entity that:

supports law enforcement officers who serve in a city with a population of more than 1,000,000 persons;
provides employee assistance, benevolence assistance and scholarships to members of law enforcement; and
creates a cycle of support that benefits both law enforcement and the broader community.

Law Enforcement Support Special Plate and Fund (Sec. 3)

Establishes the Law Enforcement Support Special Plate and Fund (Law Support Fund) if a person pays $32,000 to ADOT by December 31, 2026.
Requires the Director to annually allocate Law Support Fund monies to support an entity that:

collects and distribute donations to families of fallen or injured law enforcement officers in this state through a memorial fund;
fundraises for support of law enforcement operational units, including canine and mounted units;
engages in community fundraising and events, including annual toy drives, commemorative merchandise and car wash fundraisers; and
requires, for new membership in the entity, sponsorship by a current member.

Search and Rescue Special Plate and Fund (Sec. 3)

Establishes the Search and Rescue Special Plate and Fund (Rescue Fund) if a person pays $32,000 to ADOT by December 31, 2026.
Requires the Director to annually allocate Rescue Fund monies to support an entity that:

has been established since the 1980s;
supports Arizona sheriffs in fulfilling the sheriff's statutory search and rescue responsibilities; and
develops training standards, enhances search techniques and promotes consistency among search and rescue volunteers, county coordinators and supporting agencies across this state.

Returning Warrior Special Plate and Fund (Sec. 3)

Establishes the Returning Warrior Special Plate and Fund (Warrior Fund) if a person pays $32,000 to ADOT by December 31, 2026.
Requires the Director to annually allocate Warrior Fund monies to support an entity that:

has started a program in 2005 to financially assist veterans who experience difficulty meeting basic needs to transition back into the civilian community;
provides veterans with community assistance;
helps veterans coordinate with veterans affairs facilities; and
supports mental health initiatives for veterans.

Community Well-Being Special Plate and Fund (Sec. 3)

Establishes the Community Well-Being Special Plate and Fund (Community Fund) if a person pays $32,000 to ADOT by December 31, 2026.
Requires the Director to annually allocate Community Fund monies to support an entity that has:

a mission to strengthen the community by connecting all people to their potential and purpose;
programs for persons of every age and life stage;
at least 15 centers across this state; and
been in existence for over 120 years.

Historic Electric Vehicle Special Plate and Fund (Sec. 3)

Establishes the Historic Electric Vehicle Special Plate and Fund (Electric Vehicle Fund) if a person pays $32,000 to ADOT by December 31, 2026.
Requires the Director to annually allocate Electric Vehicle Fund monies to support an entity that:

has a mission to inspire a shift to sustainably powered electric transportation;
provides an interactive experience for visitors;
showcases the history of electric vehicles through a large collection of historic electric vehicles; and
has been in existence since 2014.

Kindness Charity Special Plate and Fund (Sec. 3)

Establishes the Kindness Charity Special Plate and Fund (Kindness Fund) if a person pays $32,000 to ADOT by December 31, 2026.
Requires the Director to annually allocate Kindness Fund monies to support an entity that:

has been in existence since 2003;
has at least 1,000 active members who volunteer with the organization; and
has a mission to inspire people of this state to practice intentional kindness through art, education and community connection.

Elk and Other Wildlife Special Plate and Fund (Sec. 3)

Establishes the Elk and Other Wildlife Special Plate and Fund (Wildlife Fund) if a person pays $32,000 to ADOT by December 31, 2026.
Requires the Director to annually allocate Wildlife Fund monies to support an entity that:

engages with volunteers and contractors to maintain and restore habitat and wildlife water projects across this state;
coordinates and manages youth programs, including conservation, hunting and outdoor activities;
facilitates big game and other outdoor experiences for Arizona's wounded veterans; and
conducts outreach and cultivates partnerships to promote and advocate for public education regarding wildlife policies, biology-based habitat management and land stewardship.

Youth Education Charity Special Plate and Fund (Sec. 3)

Establishes the Youth Education Charity Special Plate and Fund (Youth Education Fund) if a person pays $32,000 to ADOT by December 31, 2026.
Requires the Director to annually allocate Youth Education Fund monies to support an entity that:

is headquartered in the City of Scottsdale;
has been incorporated in 1986;
consists of members who support the organization monetarily or through regular volunteer activities; and
provides grants to nonprofits in Maricopa County and provides scholarships, grants and programming to public education school and students.

Police Service Dogs Special Plate and Fund (Sec. 3)

Establishes the Police Service Dogs Special Plate and Fund (Service Dogs Fund) if a person pays $32,000 to ADOT by December 31, 2026.
Requires the Director to annually allocate Service Dogs Fund monies to support an entity that:

has a membership consisting of police service dog handlers and trainers;
promotes and assists in the use of police service dogs in the prevention and detection of crime;
promotes educational programs in relation to the use of police service dogs; and
provides assistance to law enforcement agencies wishing to implement police service dogs.

Golf Tournament Charity Special Plate and Fund (Sec. 3)

Establishes the Golf Tournament Charity Special Plate and Fund (Golf Fund) if a person pays $32,000 to ADOT by December 31, 2026.
Requires the Director to annually allocate monies from the Golf Fund to support an entity of the state that:

was established after 1966;
oversees the operations and sales arm of a professional golfers' association tour event;
is comprised of over fifty active business and professional members; and
promotes and funds local youth athletic programs in the Tucson area.

Distracted Driving Special Plate and Fund (Sec. 3)

Establishes the Distracted Driving Special Plate and Fund (Driving Fund) if a person pays $32,000 to ADOT by December 31, 2026.
Requires the Director to annually allocate monies from the Driving Fund to support an entity of the state that:

has a mission or raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.
has a goal of educating, empowering and protecting drivers, passengers and pedestrians by promoting focused and responsible driving habits.
conducts community outreach and public campaigns and provides programs to reduce traffic accidents caused by cell phones, fatigue and other distractions while driving.

Public Education Foundation Special Plate and Fund (Sec. 3)

Establishes the Public Education Foundation Special Plate and Fund (Public Education Fund) if a person pays $32,000 to ADOT by December 31, 2026.
Requires the Director to annually allocate monies from the Public Education Fund to support an entity of the state that:

shines a spotlight on the work and education of public school educators, staff and administrators through programs including the A+ School of Excellence and Teacher of the Year.
supports pathways to excellence with academic programs for students and training for teachers and administrators through programs, including support for the spelling bee, science, technology, engineering and mathematics teachers and leadership programs for principals.
has a belief that public education is a great equalizer that gives all students the chance at a high-quality education and successful future.

Grand Canyon National Park Special Plate and Fund (Sec. 3)

Establishes the Grand Canyon National Park Special Plate and Fund (Grand Canyon Fund) if a person pays $32,000 to ADOT by December 31, 2026.

48. Requires the Director to annually allocate monies from the Grand Canyon Fund to support an entity that:

a. is headquartered in this state;

b. has operated in this state for over 20 consecutive years; and

c. is an official philanthropic partner of the Grand Canyon National Park.

Special Plate Rules (Sec. 3)

Directs all persons who pay the $32,000 for each special plate to design their respective special plate.
Subjects the design and color of each outlined special plate to ADOT approval.
Allows the Director to combine requests for each special plate with requests for personalized special plates and subjects the request to additional fees.
Stipulates that of the $25 fee for each special plate, $8 is an administration fee and $17 is an annual donation.
Requires ADOT to deposit all special plate administration fees into the State Highway Fund and all donations into each outlined special plate fund, respectively.
Directs the first $32,000 in each special plate fund to be reimbursed to the person who paid the implementation fee for their respective special plate.
Tasks the Director with administering all the prescribed special plate funds.
Asserts that no more than 10% of each special plate fund monies may be used for the cost of administering each special plate fund.
Stipulates that monies from each special plate fund are continuously appropriated.
Allows the State Treasurer, on notice from the Director, to invest and divest monies and states that monies earned from investment must be credited to each special plate fund, respectively.

Miscellaneous

Makes conforming changes. (Sec. 1,2,5-8)

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Initials LM/IC HB 2127

3/4/2026 Page 0 House Engrossed

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