HF1260

The bill proposes an amendment to Minnesota Statutes, section 168.12, to authorize the issuance of special license plates for individuals who are both firefighters and certified emergency medical technicians (EMTs), advanced EMTs, or paramedics. Key provisions include:

• Eligibility requirements: Applicants must be certified as EMTs, advanced EMTs, or paramedics and be active members of a fire department. They must provide confirmation letters from the relevant certifying office and their fire chief.
• Vehicle requirements: The special plates may be issued for passenger automobiles, one-ton pickup trucks, or motorcycles owned by eligible applicants.
• Fees: Applicants must pay the standard fees for special plates as well as registration taxes.
• Plate design: The commissioner will design the special plates to be distinct from other firefighter and volunteer ambulance attendant plates.
• Use restrictions: The plates can only be used while the owner remains an active firefighter and certified EMT, advanced EMT, or paramedic. If the individual's status changes or the vehicle changes ownership, the special plates must be removed and replaced with standard plates.
• Transferability: The plates may be transferred to another qualifying vehicle owned by the applicant for a $5 fee.
• Fee allocation: Fees collected will be credited to the state's driver and vehicle services operating account.
• Rulemaking: The commissioner is authorized to adopt rules governing the issuance and use of the plates.

The bill was introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives and referred to the Committee on Transportation Finance and Policy.