FIREFIGHTER/EMS REGISTRATION LICENSE PLATE

House Bill 4523 as introduced

Sponsor:  Rep. Rich Brown

Committee:  Transportation

Complete to 6-28-04

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4523 AS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE 6-24-04

House Bill 4523 would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code by adding a new section (Section 803r) which directs the Secretary of State to design and issue a special “firefighter” vehicle registration plate, and a special “EMS” registration plate, available to Michigan firefighters and Michigan licensed EMS providers.  The bill provides for the special registration plate application to be made on form prescribed by the Secretary of State, together with proof, satisfactory to the Secretary of State, that the applicant is a firefighter or Michigan licensed EMS provider.  For renewal tabs, the bill would require sufficient proof that the applicant is still a firefighter or Michigan licensed EMS provider.  The bill defines “Michigan licensed EMS provider” as an individual licensed by the Department of Consumer and Industry Services to provide emergency medical care.

The bill requires payment of the regular vehicle registration taxes with the original application and for renewal.  The bill also requires payment of a $10.00 service fee with the original application, but not for the renewal tab.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The Department of State has indicated that the current $10.00 service fee covers its marginal costs of manufacturing specialty plates, but does not cover initial start-up costs, estimated to be approximately $15,000 per new plate issue.  As a result, the bill could result in a net unreimbursed cost to the state of $15,000 for each of the plates authorized under the bill.

POSITIONS:

Detroit Firefighters Association supports the bill (6-24-04)

Michigan Association of Ambulance Services supports the bill (6-24-04)

Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs supports the bill (6-24-04)

Upper Peninsula Volunteer Firefighters Association supports the bill (6-24-04)

The Michigan Department of State opposes the bill (6-24-04)

 

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   William Hamilton

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.