Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to promote solar pollinator and agrivoltaic practices in Minnesota by introducing a special license plate program. It seeks to encourage sustainable energy practices and support pollinator habitats, which are essential for biodiversity and agriculture.

Main Provisions

• Special License Plates: The bill introduces solar pollinator program special license plates available to registered owners of passenger vehicles, noncommercial pickup trucks, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles.
• Eligibility and Fees: To obtain the special plates, applicants must:
  1. Be registered owners of eligible vehicles.
  2. Pay the specific fee for special plates along with standard registration taxes.
  3. Contribute at least $60 annually to the Board of Water and Soil Resources pollinator account.
• Plate Design: The design of the plates will be determined by the commissioner in consultation with the Board of Water and Soil Resources and relevant interest groups.
• Plate Transfer: Owners can transfer the special plates to another eligible vehicle they own by paying a transfer fee, provided the vehicle is registered to the same individual.
• Fee Allocation: Contributions for the plates are allocated to the pollinator account, while administrative fees go to the driver and vehicle services operating account.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• New Special Plates: Establishes a new category of special vehicle license plates in Minnesota.
• Support for Pollinator Programs: Provides a direct funding mechanism for pollinator-friendly initiatives through mandatory contributions linked to the special plates.

Relevant Terms

solar pollinator, agrivoltaic, special license plate, vehicle registration, Board of Water and Soil Resources, pollinator habitat, contribution, fee transfer, renewable energy