SPECIALTY ARMED FORCES PLATES

FOR MOTORCYCLES

House Bill 4359 (Substitute H-2)

Sponsor:  Rep. Matt Huuki

Committee:  Transportation

Complete to 5-3-11

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4359 AS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE ON 4-27-11

The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to make military specialty license plates available for motorcycles.

Currently under the code, a person who was a member of any branch of the U.S. Armed Services and who has retired or been granted an honorable discharge from that branch is allowed to apply to the Secretary of State for a special registration plate that displays an appropriate vignette preceding the registration numbers.  Upon proper application and payment of the $5 service fee, the Secretary of State must issue one or more special registration plates for each applicant for use on a passenger vehicle. 

Under House Bill 4359, the Secretary of State also would have to issue one or more such plates for use on a motorcycle.  The bill would take effect July 1, 2011.

MCL 257.803i

FISCAL IMPACT:

The Secretary of State does not expect their costs under House bill 4359 to exceed the $5 service fee. 

POSITIONS:

Department of Military, Veterans Affairs, and Homeland Security supports the bill. (4-27-11)

Department of State supports the bill. (4-27-11)

Department of State Police supports the bill. (4-27-11)

ABATE of Michigan supports the bill. (4-27-11)

Disabled American Veterans support the bill. (4-27-11)

Military Order of the Purple Heart, American Legion, Marine Corps League and Commanders Group, support the bill. (4-27-11)

Moose Riders support the bill. (4-27-11)

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   E. Best

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   William E. Hamilton

                                                                                                                           Ben Gielczyk

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.