DUCKS UNLIMITED FUND-RAISING PLATE
Senate Bill 234 (Substitute S-1)
Sponsor: Sen. Randy Richardville (Enacted as Public Act 6 of 2013)
House Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure
Senate Committee: Government Operations
Complete to 3-18-13
A SUMMARY OF SENATE BILL 234 AS PASSED BY THE SENATE 3-14-13
The bill would require the Secretary of State to develop, no later than June 1, 2014, a fund-raising plate and a matching collector plate recognizing Ducks Unlimited, and would allow the SOS to issue the plate. The bill would add a new Section 811v to the Michigan Vehicle Code. The words "Ducks Unlimited" would be inscribed on the plates. The Secretary of State would be required to transfer fund-raising donations from the sale of the plates to the State Treasurer, who would credit the donations to the Ducks Unlimited Fund.
Senate Bill 234 is tie-barred to House Bill 4337, which would create the Ducks Unlimited Fund and require donations to be deposited into the Fund for disbursement to the Michigan Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. Money disbursed from the Fund would be used to protect, enhance, restore, manage, and acquire wetlands and associated uplands in Michigan, as well as to cover administrative and advertising costs. Money disbursed to the Michigan Chapter of Ducks Unlimited could only be spent in Michigan. House Bill 4337 has already passed the House.
FISCAL IMPACT:
House Bill 4337 and Senate Bill 234 would have a nominal negative fiscal impact on the Department of State (DOS). The Michigan Chapter of Ducks Unlimited would be required to pay a start-up fee of $15,000 to the DOS within 18 months of the passage of the public act authorizing the Ducks Unlimited fund-raising and collector plate. The $15,000 does not entirely support the DOS' expenses of creating, producing, and issuing new fund-raising and collector plates. Additionally, DOS would collect a $10 service fee for each newly issued Ducks Unlimited fund-raising or collector plate. Both the start-up fee and the service fees would be deposited into the Transportation Administration Collection Fund. If the DOS does not issue at least 2,000 Ducks Unlimited fund-raising and collector plates during the first year and at least 500 new plates during subsequent years, it may cease the issuance of the plate.
Fiscal Analyst: Paul Holland
■ 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.