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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
AMENDED
bronze
star medal license plates
(NOW: department of transportation; special plates)
Purpose
Establishes 24 special license plates and related funds and outlines administrative requirements.
Background
The Arizona
Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division provides one license
plate to every motor vehicle owner for each vehicle registered (A.R.S.
§ 28-2351). ADOT must issue or renew special plates in lieu of regular
license plates under specified conditions and procedures (A.R.S.
§ 28-2403). The fee for obtaining or renewing a special plate is $25 (A.R.S.
§ 28-2402). Of the $25 fee, $8 is an administration fee that ADOT deposits
in the State Highway Fund (SHF) and $17 is a donation.
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
Skin Cancer Prevention Special Plate
1. Requires ADOT to issue a skin cancer prevention special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
2. Establishes the Skin Cancer Prevention Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director of ADOT (Director).
3. Requires the Director to annually allocate Skin Cancer Prevention Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) is headquartered in Arizona and incorporated in Arizona since 2011;
b) provides skin cancer prevention education, preventative examinations, sun protection and hygiene products to promote skin cancer prevention awareness at outlined locations;
c) arranges for the construction of permanent sun shade structures at schools, churches and community parks for protection from heat and from sun damage; and
d) has a mission to organize volunteer medical professionals, 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 Arizona.
Diabetes Awareness Special Plate
4. Requires ADOT to issue a diabetes awareness special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
5. Establishes the Diabetes Awareness Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
6. Requires the Director to annually allocate Diabetes Awareness Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) was founded in 2022 and is headquartered in Arizona;
b) supports persons that are living with diabetes and their families through a support network crafted by diabetics; and
c) provides education and resources to inform the general public about diabetes.
Small Business Advocate Special Plate
7. Requires ADOT to issue a small business advocate special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
8. Establishes the Small Business Advocate Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
9. Requires the Director to annually allocate Small Business Advocate Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) is headquartered in Arizona and has been in existence for at least 50 years;
b) serves as a statewide nonpartisan advocate and resource hub for small businesses in Arizona; and
c) provides education resources to entrepreneurs, including workshops, mentorship programs and events that are designed to provide relevant knowledge and skills.
Recycling Refurbished Electronics Special Plate
10. Requires ADOT to issue a recycling refurbished electronics special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
11. Establishes the Recycling Refurbished Electronics Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
12. Requires the Director to annually allocate Recycling Refurbished Electronics Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) responsibly collects electronic waste in Arizona;
b) refurbishes and distributes computing and communication devices to Arizona residents; and
c) educates and provides workforce development.
Adaptive Sports and Recreation Special Plate
13. Requires ADOT to issue an adaptive sports and recreation special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
14. Establishes the Adaptive Sports and Recreation Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
15. Requires the Director to annually allocate Adaptive Sports and Recreation Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) was founded in 2018;
b) provides adaptive equipment for water sports and train volunteers to assist persons with physical or cognitive disabilities regardless of age to access water sports in Arizona; and
c) promotes physical wellness, emotional healing and a sense of belonging.
Blood and Biologics Special Plate
16. Requires ADOT to issue a blood and biologics special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
17. Establishes the Blood and Biologics Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
18. Requires the Director to annually allocate Blood and Biologics Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) secures and stewards charitable gifts to connect blood and biologics donors with recipients;
b) uses financial contributions and gifts to improve lives by providing essential blood products, clinical services, medical consultation and innovative research; and
c) engages with sponsors for community blood drives and mobile bloodmobiles.
Astronomy Center Special Plate
19. Requires ADOT to issue an astronomy center special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
20. Establishes the Astronomy Center Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
21. Requires the Director to annually allocate Astronomy Center Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) is governed by an independent board of trustees;
b) manages long-term endowment goals or short-term targeted donations for an observatory that pursues the study of astronomy in Arizona; and
c) supports the work of an astronomy observatory located in the Flagstaff area.
Law Enforcement Charity Organization Special Plate
22. Requires ADOT to issue a law enforcement charity organization special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
23. Establishes the Law Enforcement Charity Organization Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
24. Requires the Director to annually allocate Law Enforcement Charity Organization Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) supports law enforcement officers that serve in a city with over a million persons;
b) provides employee assistance, benevolence assistance and scholarships to members of law enforcement; and
c) creates a cycle of support that benefits both law enforcement and the broader community.
Law Enforcement Support Special Plate
25. Requires ADOT to issue a law enforcement support special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
26. Establishes the Law Enforcement Support Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
27. Requires the Director to annually allocate Law Enforcement Support Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) collects and distributes donations to families of fallen or injured law enforcement officers in Arizona through a memorial fund;
b) fundraises for support of law enforcement operational units, including canine and mounted units;
c) engages in community fundraising and events, including annual toy drives, commemorative merchandise and car wash fundraisers; and
d) requires sponsorship by a current member for new membership in the entity.
Search and Rescue Special Plate
28. Requires ADOT to issue a search and rescue special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
29. Establishes the Search and Rescue Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
30. Requires the Director to annually allocate Search and Rescue Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) was established in the 1980s;
b) supports Arizona sheriffs in fulfilling the sheriff's statutory search and rescue responsibilities; and
c) develops training standards, enhances search techniques and promote consistency among search and rescue volunteers, county coordinators and supporting agencies.
Returning Warrior Special Plate
31. Requires ADOT to issue a returning warrior special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
32. Establishes the Returning Warrior Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
33. Requires the Director to annually allocate Returning Warrior Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) started a program in 2005 to financially assist veterans that are experiencing difficulty meeting basic needs to transition back into civilian community;
b) provides veterans with community assistance;
c) helps veterans coordinate with veterans affairs facilities; and
d) supports mental health initiatives for veterans.
Community Well-Being Special Plate
34. Requires ADOT to issue a community well-being special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
35. Establishes the Community Well-Being Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
36. Requires the Director to annually allocate Community Well-Being Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that has:
a) a mission to strengthen the community by connecting all people to their potential and purpose;
b) programs for persons of every age and life stage;
c) at least 15 centers across Arizona; and
d) been in existence for over 120 years.
Historic Electric Vehicle Special Plate
37. Requires ADOT to issue a historic electric vehicle special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
38. Establishes the Historic Electric Vehicle Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
39. Requires the Director to annually allocate Historic Electric Vehicle Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) has a mission to inspire a shift to sustainably powered by electric transportation;
b) provides an interactive experience for visitors;
c) showcases the history of electric vehicles through a large collection of historic electric vehicles; and
d) has been in existence since 2014.
Kindness Charity Special Plate
40. Requires ADOT to issue a kindness charity special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
41. Establishes the Kindness Charity Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
42. Requires the Director to annually allocate Kindness Charity Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that has:
a) been in existence since 2003;
b) at least 1,000 active members that volunteer with the organization; and
c) a mission to inspire the people of Arizona to practice intentional kindness through art, education and community connection.
Elk and Other Wildlife Special Plate
43. Requires ADOT to issue an elk and other wildlife special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
44. Establishes the Elk and Other Wildlife Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
45. Requires the Director to annually allocate Elk and Other Wildlife Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) engages with volunteers and contractors to maintain and restore habitat and wildlife water projects in Arizona;
b) coordinates and manages youth programs, including conservation, hunting and outdoor activities;
c) facilitates big game and other outdoor experiences for Arizona's wounded veterans; and
d) conducts outreach and cultivates partnerships to promote and advocate for public education on wildlife policies, biology-based habitat management and land stewardship.
Youth Education Charity Special Plate
46. Requires ADOT to issue a youth education charity special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
47. Establishes the Youth Education Charity Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
48. Requires the Director to annually allocate Youth Education Charity Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) is headquartered in Scottsdale;
b) was incorporated in 1986;
c) consists of members that support the organization monetarily or through regular volunteer activities; and
d) provides grants to nonprofits in Maricopa County and provides scholarships, grants and programming to public education school and students.
Police Service Dogs Special Plate
49. Requires ADOT to issue a police service dogs special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
50. Establishes the Police Service Dogs Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
51. Requires the Director to annually allocate Police Service Dogs Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) has a membership consisting of police service dog handlers and trainers;
b) promotes and assists in the use of police service dogs in prevention of crime and detection of crime;
c) promotes educational programs related to the use of police service dogs; and
d) provides assistance to law enforcement agencies that wish to implement police service dogs.
Golf Tournament Charity Special Plate
52. Requires ADOT to issue a golf tournament charity special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
53. Establishes the Golf Tournament Chairty Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
54. Requires the Director to annually allocate Golf Tournament Charity Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) was established after 1966;
b) oversees the operations and sales arm of a professional golfers' association tour event;
c) is comprised of over 50 active business and professional members; and
d) promotes and funds local youth athletic program in the Tucson area.
Distracted Driving Special Plate
55. Requires ADOT to issue a distracted driving special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
56. Establishes the Distracted Driving Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
57. Requires the Director to annually allocate Distracted Driving Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) has a mission of raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving;
b) has a goal of educating, empowering and protecting drivers, passengers and pedestrians by promoting focused and responsible driving habits; and
c) 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
58. Requires ADOT to issue a public education foundation special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
59. Establishes the Public Education Foundation Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
60. Requires the Director to annually allocate Public Education Foundation Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) 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;
b) supports pathways to excellence with academic programs for students and training for teachers and administrators through outlined programs; and
c) 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
61. Requires ADOT to issue a Grand Canyon National Park special plate if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays the $32,000 implementation fee.
62. Establishes the Grand Canyon National Park Special Plate Fund, administered by the Director.
63. Requires the Director to annually allocate Grand Canyon National Park Special Plate Fund monies to an entity that is a 501(c)(3) organization that:
a) is headquartered in Arizona;
b) has operated in Arizona for over 20 consecutive years; and
c) is an official philanthropic partner of the Grand Canyon National Park.
Bronze Star Medal License Plate
64. Requires ADOT, on January 1, 2026, to issue distinctive license plates to:
a) a person that submits satisfactory proof to ADOT that the person is a veteran and a bona fide Bronze Star Medal recipient; or
b) an immediate family member of a person that has been issued a Bronze Star Medal license plate.
65. Requires ADOT to collect a $25 fee, in addition to registration fees, for each original Bronze Star Medal license plate and deposit the $25 into the Veterans' Donations Fund.
66. Requires ADOT to charge a $5 fee for each annual renewal of the Bronze Star Medal license plate.
Silver Star Medal License Plate
67. Requires ADOT, on January 1, 2026, to issue distinctive license plates to:
a) a person that submits satisfactory proof to ADOT that the person is a veteran and a bona fide Silver Star Medal recipient; or
b) an immediate family member of a person that has been issued a Silver Star Medal license plate.
68. Requires ADOT to collect a $25 fee, in addition to registration fees, for each original Silver Star Medal license plate and deposit the $25 into the Veterans' Donations Fund.
69. Requires ADOT to charge a $5 fee for each annual renewal of the Silver Star Medal license plate.
Special Plate Administration
70. Requires each person that pays the $32,000 implementation fee to design the special plate for which the person paid the fee.
71. Subjects the design and color of the outlined special plates to the approval of ADOT.
72. Allows the Director to combine a request for any of the outlined special plates with a request for a personalized special plate.
73. Specifies that a combined request must be submitted in a form prescribed by the Director and is subject to the fees for both the specific special plate and the personalized special plate.
74. Specifies that, of the $25 fee required to obtain or renew a special plate, $8 is an administration fee and $17 is an annual donation.
75. Requires ADOT to deposit all special plate administration fees in the State Highway Fund and transmit the special plate donations to the applicable special plate fund.
76. Requires the first $32,000 in each special plate fund to be reimbursed to the entity that paid the implementation fee.
77. Caps, at 10 percent, the annual amount of special plate fund monies that may be used to administer each fund.
78. Specifies that each special plate fund is continuously appropriated.
79. Requires the State Treasurer, on notice from the Director, to invest and divest monies and credit monies earned to the applicable special plate fund.
Miscellaneous
80. Makes technical and conforming changes.
81. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Amendments Adopted by Committee
1. Removes the establishment of the Grand Canyon preservation special plate and the Grand Canyon Preservation Special Plate Fund.
2. Makes conforming changes.
House Action Senate Action
TI 2/18/26 DPA 7-0-0-0 ATT 3/24/26 DPA 7-3-0
3rd Read 3/10/26 38-16-5-0-1
Prepared by Senate Research
March 25, 2026
LMM/ci