Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to establish a program for issuing special vehicle license plates called "Donate Life" plates in Minnesota. The initiative is intended to promote awareness and support the mission of organ and tissue donation.

Main Provisions

• Issuance of Plates: Special Donate Life plates can be issued to the registered owner of passenger automobiles, non-commercial trucks, motorcycles, or recreational vehicles.

• Requirements for Applicants: To obtain these plates, applicants must:

  1. Be registered vehicle owners.
  2. Pay an additional fee (as per existing laws for special plates).
  3. Pay regular vehicle registration taxes and other standard fees.
  4. Contribute a minimum of $10 annually to the Donate Life account.
  5. Adhere to all vehicle registration and driver licensing rules.

• Design: The Minnesota Commissioner of Transportation, in collaboration with the Donate Life organization, will design the plates, incorporating the donate life symbols and colors.

• Plate Transfer: Owners can transfer these special plates to another qualifying vehicle, provided the new vehicle is also registered to them. A transfer fee of $5 applies.

• Exemption from Certain Regulations: These plates are exempt from specific existing regulations under section 168.1293, subdivision 2.

• Donate Life Account: Contributions made by the plate holders will be deposited into a newly established Donate Life account within the special revenue fund. Funds from this account are appropriated annually to cover administrative costs and support the Donate Life organization's mission.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Introduces a new category of vehicle license plates in Minnesota.
• Establishes a new donation account and funding mechanism specifically for promoting organ and tissue donation, with funds generated through license plate sales and contributions.

Relevant Terms

Donate Life plates, vehicle registration, organ donation, tissue donation, license plates, special revenue fund, administrative costs, Minnesota Statutes chapter 168, Donate Life account.