MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2003 Regular Session

To: Finance

By: Senator(s) Kirby, Smith

Senate Bill 2092

(As Passed the Senate)

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS TO MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY SPECIAL FORCES; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-44, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO EXEMPT SUCH LICENSE TAG FROM THE REQUIREMENT THAT A CERTAIN NUMBER OF DISTINCTIVE TAGS MUST BE PURCHASE BEFORE SUCH TAGS MAY BE ISSUED; TO AUTHORIZE THE STATE TAX COMMISSION TO PREPARE AND ISSUE DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS FOR CONSTABLES IF 100 OF SUCH TAGS WILL BE PURCHASED; TO AUTHORIZE THE STATE TAX COMMISSION TO PREPARE AND ISSUE DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS AUTHORIZED FOR RETIRED MEMBERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI HIGHWAY SAFETY PATROL IF 100 OF SUCH TAGS WILL BE PURCHASED; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF A SPECIAL MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAG FOR SUPPORTERS OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES WHO ARE CLASSIFIED AS MISSING IN ACTION OR PERSONS WHO WERE PRISONERS OF WAR WHILE SERVING IN THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES; TO PROVIDE THAT A PORTION OF THE FEE CHARGED FOR SUCH TAG SHALL BE DEPOSITED TO THE CREDIT OF A FUND TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE BOARD OVERSEEING THE VETERANS NURSING HOMES IN THIS STATE FOR THE BENEFIT OF INDIGENT VETERANS WHO ARE RESIDENTS OF SUCH NURSING HOMES; TO PROVIDE THAT A PORTION OF THE FEE CHARGED FOR SUCH LICENSE TAG SHALL BE DEPOSITED TO THE CREDIT OF THE VETERANS MONUMENT TRUST FUND; TO AMEND SECTION 55-15-59, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT AFTER COMPLETION OF THE MISSISSIPPI VETERANS MONUMENT, MONEY IN THE MISSISSIPPI VETERANS MONUMENT TRUST FUND SHALL BE UTILIZED BY THE MISSISSIPPI WAR VETERANS MEMORIAL COMMISSION FOR MAINTENANCE OF THE VETERANS MONUMENT AND MEMORIALS; TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAG TO SUPPORTERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI NURSES FOUNDATION; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF A DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAG FOR SUPPORTERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI LOGGERS ASSOCIATION, INC.; TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A SPECIAL "STOP CHILD ABUSE" MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAG; TO PROVIDE THAT A PORTION OF THE ADDITIONAL FEE FOR SUCH TAG SHALL BE DISBURSED TO THE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, DIVISION OF FAMILY SERVICES OFFICE OF THE COUNTY IN WHICH THE TAG WAS PURCHASED TO ASSIST IN DEFRAYING THE COST OF PROGRAMS; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF A DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAG FOR SUPPORTERS OF THE BOBO VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAG TO SUPPORTERS OF THE SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS; TO PROVIDE THAT A PORTION OF THE ADDITIONAL FEES FOR SUCH TAG SHALL BE DISTRIBUTED TO THE MISSISSIPPI DIVISION, SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS; TO PROVIDE FOR A DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAG FOR SUPPORTERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI SCUBA DIVING ASSOCIATION; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS TO MEMBERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS FOR THE MISSISSIPPI FORESTRY ASSOCIATION; TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAG TO SUPPORTERS OF MISSISSIPPI BLOOD SERVICES, INC.; TO PROVIDE THE FEE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH TAG; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE PLATES FOR MISSISSIPPIANS WHO ARE HONORABLY DISCHARGED VETERANS WHO SERVED IN THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES DURING THE VIETNAM CONFLICT AND WERE AWARDED A VIETNAM SERVICE RIBBON; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.55, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE MANNER IN WHICH THE FEE FOR THE DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAG AUTHORIZED FOR RETIRED MEMBERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI HIGHWAY SAFETY PATROL IS DISTRIBUTED; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

     BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

     SECTION 1.  (1)  In recognition of the patriotic services rendered the United States, Mississippi and the citizens thereof, any resident of the state who is on active duty with the United States Army Special Forces, upon payment of the road and bridge privilege taxes, ad valorem taxes and registration fees as prescribed by law for private carriers of passengers, pickup trucks and other noncommercial motor vehicles, and upon payment of an additional fee in the amount provided in subsection (3) of this section, shall be issued a distinctive motor vehicle license plate or tag identifying him as an active duty member of the United States Army Special Forces.  The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the State Tax Commission may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

     (2)  Application for the distinctive license tags authorized by this section shall be made to the county tax collector on forms prescribed by the State Tax Commission.  Applicants for the distinctive license tag shall present proof of their active duty membership in the United States Army Special Forces to the county tax collector.  The application and the additional fee imposed under subsection (3) of this section, less Two Dollars ($2.00) to be retained by the tax collector, shall be remitted to the State Tax Commission on a monthly basis as prescribed by the commission.  The portion of the additional fee retained by the tax collector shall be deposited into the county general fund.

     (3)  Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2003, any person applying for a distinctive license tag under this section shall pay an additional fee in the amount of Thirty Dollars ($30.00) for each distinctive license tag applied for under this section, which shall be in addition to all other taxes and fees.  The additional fee paid shall be for a period of time to run concurrent with the vehicle's established license tag year.  The additional fee is due and payable at the time the original application is made for a distinctive license tag under this section and thereafter annually at the time of renewal registration as long as the owner retains the distinctive license tag.  If the owner does not wish to retain the distinctive license tag, he must surrender it to the local county tax collector.

     (4)  The State Tax Commission shall deposit all fees into the State Treasury on the day collected.  At the end of each month, the State Tax Commission shall certify the total fees collected under this section to the State Treasurer who shall distribute such collections as follows:

          (a)  Twenty-four Dollars ($24.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited into a special fund that is created in the State Treasury.  Monies in the fund may be expended by the Mississippi State Veterans Affairs Board for the maintenance, operation and administration of state veterans homes.

          (b)  One Dollar ($1.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the Mississippi Fire Fighter's Memorial Burn Center Fund created pursuant to Section 7-9-70.

          (c)  Two Dollars ($2.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited to the credit of the State Highway Fund to be expended solely for the repair, maintenance, construction or reconstruction of highways.

          (d)  One Dollar ($1.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited to the credit of the special fund created in Section 27-19-44.2.

     (5)  A regular license tag must be properly displayed as required by law until replaced by a distinctive license tag under this section.  The regular license tag must be surrendered to the tax collector upon issuance of the distinctive license tag under this section.  The tax collector shall issue up to two (2) license decals for each distinctive license tag issued under this section, which will expire the same month and year as the regular license tag.

     (6)  In the case of loss or theft of a distinctive license tag issued under this section, the owner may make application and affidavit for a replacement distinctive license tag as provided by Section 27-19-37.  The fee for a replacement distinctive license tag shall be Ten Dollars ($10.00).  The tax collector receiving such application and affidavit shall be entitled to retain and deposit into the county general fund five percent (5%) of the fee for such replacement license tag and the remainder shall be distributed in the same manner as funds from the sale of regular distinctive license tags issued under this section.

     SECTION 2.  Section 27-19-44, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     27-19-44.  (1)  For any distinctive license tag or plate authorized by the Legislature from and after July 1, 2000, through June 30, 2002, or authorized by Sections 27-19-56.37 and 27-19-56.55, the requirements of this subsection must be met before the State Tax Commission may prepare or issue any such license tag or plate.  The organization or other entity for which the Legislature authorized the distinctive license tag or plate must submit proof satisfactory to the State Tax Commission that at least one hundred (100) of such license tags or plates will be purchased and must deposit with the commission an amount necessary to purchase one hundred (100) of such license tags or plates.  The organization or other entity for which the Legislature authorized the distinctive license tag or plate must satisfy the requirements of this subsection (1) within two (2) years after the effective date of the law authorizing the license tag or plate in order to permit the license tag or plate to be prepared and issued. 

     (2)  Except as otherwise provided in subsection (1) of this section, any distinctive license tag or plate authorized by the Legislature from and after July 1, 2002, the requirements of this subsection must be met before the State Tax Commission may prepare or issue any such license tag or plate.  The organization or other entity for which the Legislature authorized the distinctive license tag or plate must submit proof satisfactory to the State Tax Commission that at least two hundred (200) of such license tags or plates will be purchased and must deposit with the commission an amount necessary to purchase two hundred (200) of such license tags or plates.  The organization or other entity for which the Legislature authorized the distinctive license tag or plate must satisfy the requirements of this subsection (2) within three (3) years after the effective date of the law authorizing the license tag or plate in order to permit the license tag or plate to be prepared and issued.

     (3)  If the organization or other entity for which the Legislature authorized the distinctive license tag or plate meets the requirements of subsection (1) or (2) of this section, the State Tax Commission shall prepare and issue the distinctive license tag or plate. 

     (4)  The State Tax Commission shall review the number of distinctive or special license tags or plates issued pursuant to this chapter during the period for the license tag or plate series.  If the number of any distinctive or special license tag or plate issued pursuant to this chapter falls below one hundred (100) in the last year of the license tag or plate series, the distinctive or special license tag or plate shall be discontinued at the end of the period for the license tag or plate series.

     (5)  If a distinctive or special license tag or plate is discontinued under subsection (4) of this section, the organization or other entity for which the license tag or plate was discontinued may prepare a distinctive or special license tag or plate decal.  The distinctive or special license tag or plate decal shall be of such size, color and design as may be agreed upon by the organization or other entity and the State Tax Commission.  However, the State Tax Commission shall have final approval of the size, color and design of the decal.  The distinctive or special license tag or plate decals shall be prepared and sold by the organization or other entity, and the proceeds derived from the sale of such decals shall be retained by the organization or other entity for any use deemed appropriate by the organization or other entity.

     (6)  The provisions of this section shall not apply to distinctive or special license tags or plates:

          (a)  Which are issued under Section 27-19-45, 27-19-46, 27-19-47.1, 27-19-47.2, 27-19-48, 27-19-49, 27-19-53, 27-19-55, 27-19-56, 27-19-56.1, 27-19-56.2, 27-19-56.3, 27-19-56.5, 27-19-56.6, 27-19-56.9, 27-19-56.11, 27-19-56.12, 27-19-56.13, * * * 27-19-56.62 * * *, 27-19-56.69 or Section 1, Senate Bill No. 2092, 2003 Regular Session; or

          (b)  For which no additional fee is required to be paid.

     SECTION 3.  (1)  Any owner of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon payment of the road and bridge privilege taxes, ad valorem taxes and registration fees as prescribed by law for private carriers of passengers, pickup trucks and other noncommercial motor vehicles, and upon payment of an additional fee in the amount provided in subsection (3) of this section, shall be issued a distinctive license tag for each motor vehicle registered in his name identifying such person as a supporter of members of the United States Armed Forces who are classified as missing in action or persons who were prisoners of war while serving in the United States Armed Forces.  The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the State Tax Commission, with the advice of the American Ex-POW's, Department of Mississippi, may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

     (2)  Application for the distinctive license tags authorized by this section shall be made to the county tax collector on forms prescribed by the State Tax Commission.  The application and the additional fee imposed under subsection (3) of this section, less Two Dollars ($2.00) to be retained by the tax collector, shall be remitted to the State Tax Commission on a monthly basis as prescribed by the commission.  The portion of the additional fee retained by the tax collector shall be deposited into the county general fund.

     (3)  Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2003, any person applying for a distinctive license tag under this section shall pay an additional fee in the amount of Thirty Dollars ($30.00) for each distinctive license tag applied for under this section, which shall be in addition to all other taxes and fees.  The additional fee paid shall be for a period of time to run concurrent with the vehicle's established license tag year.  The additional fee is due and payable at the time the original application is made for a distinctive license tag under this section and thereafter annually at the time of renewal registration as long as the owner retains the distinctive license tag.  If the owner does not wish to retain the distinctive license tag, he must surrender it to the local county tax collector.

     (4)  The State Tax Commission shall deposit all fees into the State Treasury on the day collected.  At the end of each month, the State Tax Commission shall certify the total fees collected under this section to the State Treasurer who shall distribute such collections as follows:

          (a)  Twelve Dollars ($12.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited to the credit of a fund to be administered by the board overseeing the veterans nursing homes in this state for the benefit of indigent veterans who are residents of such nursing homes.

          (b)  Twelve Dollars ($12.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the Mississippi Veterans Monument Trust Fund created in Section 55-15-59.

          (c)  One Dollar ($1.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the Mississippi Fire Fighter's Memorial Burn Center Fund created pursuant to Section 7-9-70.

          (d)  Two Dollars ($2.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited to the credit of the State Highway Fund to be expended solely for the repair, maintenance, construction or reconstruction of highways.

          (e)  One Dollar ($1.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited to the credit of the special fund created in Section 27-19-44.2.

     (5)  A regular license tag must be properly displayed as required by law until replaced by a distinctive license tag under this section.  The regular license tag must be surrendered to the tax collector upon issuance of the distinctive license tag under this section.  The tax collector shall issue up to two (2) license decals for each distinctive license tag issued under this section, which will expire the same month and year as the regular license tag.

     (6)  In the case of loss or theft of a distinctive license tag issued under this section, the owner may make application and affidavit for a replacement distinctive license tag as provided by Section 27-19-37.  The fee for a replacement distinctive license tag shall be Ten Dollars ($10.00).  The tax collector receiving such application and affidavit shall be entitled to retain and deposit into the county general fund five percent (5%) of the fee for such replacement license tag and the remainder shall be distributed in the same manner as funds from the sale of regular distinctive license tags issued under this section.

     SECTION 4.  Section 55-15-59, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     55-15-59.  The Mississippi Veterans Monument Commission is hereby authorized to accept gifts, grants and donations from individuals and organizations, to be deposited in the Veterans Monument Trust Fund which is hereby created in the State Treasury.  The State Treasurer shall invest all monies in the Veterans Monument Trust Fund and any interest earned shall be deposited into the fund.  All appropriated funds and funds deposited in the Veterans Monument Trust Fund shall be used exclusively for the purpose of designing, erecting, maintaining and dedication of the veterans monument, except that not more than Seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($7,500.00) may be expended annually to pay the administrative costs of the commission.  Costs associated with the designing, erecting, maintaining and dedication of the veterans monument are not considered commission administrative costs for purposes of this section. * * *  Upon completion of the monument, money in the trust fund shall be utilized by the Mississippi War Veterans Memorial Commission for maintenance of the veterans monument and memorials.

     SECTION 5.  (1)  Any owner of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon payment of the road and bridge privilege taxes, ad valorem taxes and registration fees as prescribed by law for private carriers of passengers, pickup trucks and other noncommercial motor vehicles, and upon payment of an additional fee in the amount provided in subsection (3) of this section, shall be issued a distinctive license tag for each motor vehicle registered in his name identifying such person as a supporter of the Mississippi Nurses Foundation.  The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the State Tax Commission, with the advice of the Mississippi Nurses Association, may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

     (2)  Application for the distinctive license tags authorized by this section shall be made to the county tax collector on forms prescribed by the State Tax Commission.  The application and the additional fee imposed under subsection (3) of this section, less Two Dollars ($2.00) to be retained by the tax collector, shall be remitted to the State Tax Commission on a monthly basis as prescribed by the commission.  The portion of the additional fee retained by the tax collector shall be deposited into the county general fund.

     (3)  Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2003, any person applying for a distinctive license tag under this section shall pay an additional fee in the amount of Thirty Dollars ($30.00) for each distinctive license tag applied for under this section, which shall be in addition to all other taxes and fees.  The additional fee paid shall be for a period of time to run concurrent with the vehicle's established license tag year.  The additional fee is due and payable at the time the original application is made for a distinctive license tag under this section and thereafter annually at the time of renewal registration as long as the owner retains the distinctive license tag.  If the owner does not wish to retain the distinctive license tag, he must surrender it to the local county tax collector.

     (4)  The State Tax Commission shall deposit all fees into the State Treasury on the day collected.  At the end of each month, the State Tax Commission shall certify the total fees collected under this section to the State Treasurer who shall distribute such collections as follows:

          (a)  Twenty-four Dollars ($24.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be distributed to the Mississippi Nurses Foundation.

          (b)  One Dollar ($1.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the Mississippi Fire Fighter's Memorial Burn Center Fund created pursuant to Section 7-9-70.

          (c)  Two Dollars ($2.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited to the credit of the State Highway Fund to be expended solely for the repair, maintenance, construction or reconstruction of highways.

          (d)  One Dollar ($1.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited to the credit of the special fund created in Section 27-19-44.2.

     (5)  A regular license tag must be properly displayed as required by law until replaced by a distinctive license tag under this section.  The regular license tag must be surrendered to the tax collector upon issuance of the distinctive license tag under this section.  The tax collector shall issue up to two (2) license decals for each distinctive license tag issued under this section, which will expire the same month and year as the regular license tag.

     (6)  In the case of loss or theft of a distinctive license tag issued under this section, the owner may make application and affidavit for a replacement distinctive license tag as provided by Section 27-19-37.  The fee for a replacement distinctive license tag shall be Ten Dollars ($10.00).  The tax collector receiving such application and affidavit shall be entitled to retain and deposit into the county general fund five percent (5%) of the fee for such replacement license tag and the remainder shall be distributed in the same manner as funds from the sale of regular distinctive license tags issued under this section.

     SECTION 6.  (1)  Any owner of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon payment of the road and bridge privilege taxes, ad valorem taxes and registration fees as prescribed by law for private carriers of passengers, pickup trucks and other noncommercial motor vehicles, and upon payment of an additional fee in the amount provided in subsection (3) of this section, shall be issued a distinctive license tag for each motor vehicle registered in his name identifying such person as a supporter of the Mississippi Loggers Association, Inc.  The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the State Tax Commission, with the advice of the Mississippi Loggers Association, Inc., may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

     (2)  Application for the distinctive license tags authorized by this section shall be made to the county tax collector on forms prescribed by the State Tax Commission.  The application and the additional fee imposed under subsection (3) of this section, less Two Dollars ($2.00) to be retained by the tax collector, shall be remitted to the State Tax Commission on a monthly basis as prescribed by the commission.  The portion of the additional fee retained by the tax collector shall be deposited into the county general fund.

     (3)  Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2003, any person applying for a distinctive license tag under this section shall pay an additional fee in the amount of Thirty Dollars ($30.00) for each distinctive license tag applied for under this section, which shall be in addition to all other taxes and fees.  The additional fee paid shall be for a period of time to run concurrent with the vehicle's established license tag year.  The additional fee is due and payable at the time the original application is made for a distinctive license tag under this section and thereafter annually at the time of renewal registration as long as the owner retains the distinctive license tag.  If the owner does not wish to retain the distinctive license tag, he must surrender it to the local county tax collector.

     (4)  The State Tax Commission shall deposit all fees into the State Treasury on the day collected.  At the end of each month, the State Tax Commission shall certify the total fees collected under this section to the State Treasurer who shall distribute such collections as follows:

          (a)  Twenty-four Dollars ($24.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be distributed to the Mississippi Loggers Association, Inc.

          (b)  One Dollar ($1.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the Mississippi Fire Fighter's Memorial Burn Center Fund created pursuant to Section 7-9-70.

          (c)  Two Dollars ($2.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited to the credit of the State Highway Fund to be expended solely for the repair, maintenance, construction or reconstruction of highways.

          (d)  One Dollar ($1.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited to the credit of the special fund created in Section 27-19-44.2.

     (5)  A regular license tag must be properly displayed as required by law until replaced by a distinctive license tag under this section.  The regular license tag must be surrendered to the tax collector upon issuance of the distinctive license tag under this section.  The tax collector shall issue up to two (2) license decals for each distinctive license tag issued under this section, which will expire the same month and year as the regular license tag.

     (6)  In the case of loss or theft of a distinctive license tag issued under this section, the owner may make application and affidavit for a replacement distinctive license tag as provided by Section 27-19-37.  The fee for a replacement distinctive license tag shall be Ten Dollars ($10.00).  The tax collector receiving such application and affidavit shall be entitled to retain and deposit into the county general fund five percent (5%) of the fee for such replacement license tag and the remainder shall be distributed in the same manner as funds from the sale of regular distinctive license tags issued under this section.

     SECTION 7.  (1)  Any owner of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon payment of the road and bridge privilege taxes, ad valorem taxes and registration fees as prescribed by law for private carriers of passengers, pickup trucks and other noncommercial motor vehicles, and upon payment of an additional fee in the amount provided in subsection (3) of this section, shall be issued a distinctive license tag for each motor vehicle registered in his name, which shall be produced in such color and design as may be agreed upon by Pati Bannister and the State Tax Commission.  The words "Stop Child Abuse" shall be centered at the bottom of the license tag.  The State Tax Commission shall prescribe such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

     (2)  Application for the distinctive license tags authorized by this section shall be made to the county tax collector on forms prescribed by the State Tax Commission.  The application and the additional fee imposed under subsection (3) of this section, less Two Dollars ($2.00) thereof to be retained by the tax collector, shall be remitted to the State Tax Commission on a monthly basis as prescribed by the commission.  The portion of the additional fee retained by the tax collector shall be deposited into the county general fund.

     (3)  Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2003, any person applying for a distinctive license tag under this section shall pay an additional fee in the amount of Thirty Dollars ($30.00) for each distinctive license tag applied for under this section, which shall be in addition to all other taxes and fees.  The additional fee paid shall be for a period of time to run concurrent with the vehicle's established license tag year.  The additional fee is due and payable at the time the original application is made for a distinctive license tag under this section and thereafter annually at the time of renewal registration as long as the owner retains the distinctive license tag.  If the owner does not wish to retain the distinctive license tag, he must surrender it to the local county tax collector.

     (4)  The State Tax Commission shall deposit all fees into the State Treasury on the day collected.  At the end of each month, the State Tax Commission shall certify the total fees collected under this section to the State Treasurer, who shall distribute such collections as follows:

          (a)  Twenty-four Dollars ($24.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be distributed to the board of supervisors of the county in which the tag was purchased.  The board of supervisors shall distribute such fees to the Department of Human Services, Division of Family and Child Services office of the county to assist in defraying the cost of the programs of such office.

          (b)  One Dollar ($1.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the Mississippi Fire Fighter's Memorial Burn Center Fund created pursuant to Section 7-9-70.

          (c)  Two Dollars ($2.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited to the credit of the State Highway Fund to be expended solely for the repair, maintenance, construction or reconstruction of highways.

          (d)  One Dollar ($1.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited to the credit of the special fund created in Section 27-19-44.2.

     (5)  A regular license tag must be properly displayed as required by law until replaced by a distinctive license tag under this section.  The regular license tag must be surrendered to the tax collector upon issuance of the distinctive license tag under this section.  The tax collector shall issue up to two (2) license decals for each distinctive license tag issued under this section, which will expire the same month and year as the regular license tag.

     (6)  In the case of loss or theft of a distinctive license tag issued under this section, the owner may make application and affidavit for a replacement distinctive license tag as provided by Section 27-19-37.  The fee for a replacement distinctive license tag shall be Ten Dollars ($10.00).  The tax collector receiving such application and affidavit shall be entitled to retain and deposit into the county general fund five percent (5%) of the fee for such replacement license tag and the remainder shall be distributed in the same manner as funds from the sale of regular distinctive license tags issued under this section.

     SECTION 8.  (1)  Any owner of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon payment of the road and bridge privilege taxes, ad valorem taxes and registration fees as prescribed by law for private carriers of passengers, pickup trucks and other noncommercial motor vehicles, and upon payment of an additional fee in the amount provided in subsection (3) of this section, shall be issued a distinctive license tag for each motor vehicle registered in his name identifying such person as a supporter of the Bobo Volunteer Fire Department.  The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the State Tax Commission, with the advice of the Bobo Volunteer Fire Department, may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

     (2)  Application for the distinctive license tags authorized by this section shall be made to the county tax collector on forms prescribed by the State Tax Commission.  The application and the additional fee imposed under subsection (3) of this section, less Two Dollars ($2.00) to be retained by the tax collector, shall be remitted to the State Tax Commission on a monthly basis as prescribed by the commission.  The portion of the additional fee retained by the tax collector shall be deposited into the county general fund.

     (3)  Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2003, any person applying for a distinctive license tag under this section shall pay an additional fee in the amount of Thirty Dollars ($30.00) for each distinctive license tag applied for under this section, which shall be in addition to all other taxes and fees.  The additional fee paid shall be for a period of time to run concurrent with the vehicle's established license tag year.  The additional fee is due and payable at the time the original application is made for a distinctive license tag under this section and thereafter annually at the time of renewal registration as long as the owner retains the distinctive license tag.  If the owner does not wish to retain the distinctive license tag, he must surrender it to the local county tax collector.

     (4)  The State Tax Commission shall deposit all fees into the State Treasury on the day collected.  At the end of each month, the State Tax Commission shall certify the total fees collected under this section to the State Treasurer who shall distribute such collections as follows:

          (a)  Twenty-four Dollars ($24.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be distributed to the Bobo Volunteer Fire Department.

          (b)  One Dollar ($1.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the Mississippi Fire Fighter's Memorial Burn Center Fund created pursuant to Section 7-9-70.

          (c)  Two Dollars ($2.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited to the credit of the State Highway Fund to be expended solely for the repair, maintenance, construction or reconstruction of highways.

          (d)  One Dollar ($1.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited to the credit of the special fund created in Section 27-19-44.2.

     (5)  A regular license tag must be properly displayed as required by law until replaced by a distinctive license tag under this section.  The regular license tag must be surrendered to the tax collector upon issuance of the distinctive license tag under this section.  The tax collector shall issue up to two (2) license decals for each distinctive license tag issued under this section, which will expire the same month and year as the regular license tag.

     (6)  In the case of loss or theft of a distinctive license tag issued under this section, the owner may make application and affidavit for a replacement distinctive license tag as provided by Section 27-19-37.  The fee for a replacement distinctive license tag shall be Ten Dollars ($10.00).  The tax collector receiving such application and affidavit shall be entitled to retain and deposit into the county general fund five percent (5%) of the fee for such replacement license tag and the remainder shall be distributed in the same manner as funds from the sale of regular distinctive license tags issued under this section.

     SECTION 9.  (1)  Any owner of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon payment of the road and bridge privilege taxes, ad valorem taxes and registration fees as prescribed by law for private carriers of passengers, pickup trucks and other noncommercial motor vehicles, and upon payment of an additional fee in the amount provided in subsection (3) of this section, shall be issued a distinctive license tag for each motor vehicle registered in his name identifying such person as a supporter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.  The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the State Tax Commission, with the advice of the Mississippi Division,  Sons of Confederate Veterans, may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

     (2)  Application for the distinctive license tags authorized by this section shall be made to the county tax collector on forms prescribed by the State Tax Commission.  The application and the additional fee imposed under subsection (3) of this section, less Two Dollars ($2.00) to be retained by the tax collector, shall be remitted to the State Tax Commission on a monthly basis as prescribed by the commission.  The portion of the additional fee retained by the tax collector shall be deposited into the county general fund.

     (3)  Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2003, any person applying for a distinctive license tag under this section shall pay an additional fee in the amount of Thirty Dollars ($30.00) for each distinctive license tag applied for under this section, which shall be in addition to all other taxes and fees.  The additional fee paid shall be for a period of time to run concurrent with the vehicle's established license tag year.  The additional fee is due and payable at the time the original application is made for a distinctive license tag under this section and thereafter annually at the time of renewal registration as long as the owner retains the distinctive license tag.  If the owner does not wish to retain the distinctive license tag, he must surrender it to the local county tax collector.

     (4)  The State Tax Commission shall deposit all fees into the State Treasury on the day collected.  At the end of each month, the State Tax Commission shall certify the total fees collected under this section to the State Treasurer who shall distribute such collections as follows:

          (a)  Twenty-four Dollars ($24.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be distributed to the Mississippi Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans. 

          (b)  One Dollar ($1.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the Mississippi Fire Fighter's Memorial Burn Center Fund created pursuant to Section 7-9-70.

          (c)  Two Dollars ($2.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited to the credit of the State Highway Fund to be expended solely for the repair, maintenance, construction or reconstruction of highways.

          (d)  One Dollar ($1.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited to the credit of the special fund created in Section 27-19-44.2.

     (5)  A regular license tag must be properly displayed as required by law until replaced by a distinctive license tag under this section.  The regular license tag must be surrendered to the tax collector upon issuance of the distinctive license tag under this section.  The tax collector shall issue up to two (2) license decals for each distinctive license tag issued under this section, which will expire the same month and year as the regular license tag.

     (6)  In the case of loss or theft of a distinctive license tag issued under this section, the owner may make application and affidavit for a replacement distinctive license tag as provided by Section 27-19-37.  The fee for a replacement distinctive license tag shall be Ten Dollars ($10.00).  The tax collector receiving such application and affidavit shall be entitled to retain and deposit into the county general fund five percent (5%) of the fee for such replacement license tag and the remainder shall be distributed in the same manner as funds from the sale of regular distinctive license tags issued under this section.

     SECTION 10.  (1)  Any owner of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon payment of the road and bridge privilege taxes, ad valorem taxes and registration fees as prescribed by law for private carriers of passengers, pickup trucks and other noncommercial motor vehicles, and upon payment of an additional fee in the amount provided in subsection (3) of this section, shall be issued a distinctive license tag for any motor vehicle registered in his name identifying such person as a supporter of the Mississippi Scuba Diving Association, Inc.  The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the State Tax Commission, with the advice of the Mississippi Scuba Diving Association, Inc., may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

     (2)  Application for the distinctive license tags authorized by this section shall be made to the county tax collector on forms prescribed by the State Tax Commission.  The application and the additional fee imposed under subsection (3) of this section, less Two Dollars ($2.00) thereof to be retained by the tax collector, shall be remitted to the State Tax Commission on a monthly basis as prescribed by the commission.  The portion of the additional fee retained by the tax collector shall be deposited into the county general fund.

     (3)  Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2003, any person applying for a distinctive license tag under this section shall pay an additional fee in the amount of Thirty Dollars ($30.00) for each distinctive license tag applied for under this section, which shall be in addition to all other taxes and fees.  The additional fee paid shall be for a period of time to run concurrent with the vehicle's established license tag year.  The additional fee is due and payable at the time the original application is made for a distinctive license tag under this section and thereafter annually at the time of renewal registration as long as the owner retains the distinctive license tag.  If the owner does not wish to retain the distinctive license tag, he must surrender it to the local county tax collector.

     (4)  The State Tax Commission shall deposit all fees into the State Treasury on the day collected.  At the end of each month, the State Tax Commission shall certify the total fees collected under this section to the State Treasurer, who shall distribute such collections as follows:

          (a)  Twenty-four Dollars ($24.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be distributed to the Mississippi Scuba Diving Association, Inc.

          (b)  One Dollar ($1.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the Mississippi Fire Fighter's Memorial Burn Center Fund created pursuant to Section 7-9-70.

          (c)  Two Dollars ($2.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited to the credit of the State Highway Fund to be expended solely for the repair, maintenance, construction or reconstruction of highways.

          (d)  One Dollar ($1.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited to the credit of the special fund created in Section 27-19-44.2.

     (5)  A regular license tag must be properly displayed as required by law until replaced by a distinctive license tag under this section.  The regular license tag must be surrendered to the tax collector upon issuance of the distinctive license tag under this section.  The tax collector shall issue up to two (2) license decals for each distinctive license tag issued under this section, which will expire the same month and year as the regular license tag.

     (6)  In the case of loss or theft of a distinctive license tag issued under this section, the owner may make application and affidavit for a replacement distinctive license tag as provided by Section 27-19-37.  The fee for a replacement distinctive license tag shall be Ten Dollars ($10.00).  The tax collector receiving such application and affidavit shall be entitled to retain and deposit in the county general fund five percent (5%) of the fee for such replacement license tag and the remainder shall be distributed in the same manner as funds from the sale of regular distinctive license tags issued under this section.

     SECTION 11.  (1)  Any owner of a motor vehicle, who is a member of the Mississippi Association of REALTORS, upon complying with the motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles, and upon payment of the road and bridge privilege taxes, ad valorem taxes and registration fees as prescribed by law for private carriers of passengers, pickup trucks and other noncommercial motor vehicles, and upon payment of an additional annual fee in the amount provided in subsection (3), shall be issued a special license tag which displays the blue and gold REALTOR trademark logo on the left side of the license tag.  The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of a color and design as the State Tax Commission, with the advice of the Mississippi Association of REALTORS, may prescribe, and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

     (2)  Application for the special license tag shall be made to the county tax collector on forms prescribed by the State Tax Commission.  Proof of membership in the Mississippi Association of REALTORS shall be presented to the county tax collector at the time of the application.  An applicant's personal business card on which the REALTOR trademark logo is also printed shall be accepted as proof of membership in the Mississippi Association of REALTORS.  The application and the additional fee, less Two Dollars ($2.00) thereof to be retained by the tax collector, shall be remitted to the State Tax Commission on a monthly basis as prescribed by the commission.  The portion of the additional fee retained by the tax collector shall be deposited into the county general fund.

     (3)  Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2003, any person applying for a distinctive tag under this section shall pay an additional fee in the amount of Thirty Dollars ($30.00) for each distinctive license tag applied for under this section, which shall be in addition to all other taxes and fees.  The additional fee shall be for a period of time to run concurrent with the vehicle's established license tag year.  The additional fee is due and payable at the time the original application is made for distinctive license tags under this section and thereafter annually at the time of renewal registration as long as the owner retains the distinctive license tag.  If the owner does not wish to retain the distinctive license tag or is no longer affiliated with the Mississippi Association of REALTORS, he must surrender it to the local county tax collector. 

     (4)  The State Tax Commission shall deposit all fees into the State Treasury on the day collected.  At the end of each month, the State Tax Commission shall certify the total fees collected under this section to the State Treasurer who shall distribute such collections as follows:

          (a)  Twenty-four Dollars ($24.00) of each additional fee collected on special license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be distributed to Habitat for Humanity International, Inc. for use in funding affordable housing projects in Mississippi.

          (b)  One Dollar ($1.00) of each additional fee collected on special license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the Mississippi Fire Fighter's Memorial Burn Center Fund created pursuant to Section 7-9-70.

          (c)  Two Dollars ($2.00) of each additional fee collected on special tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited to the credit of the State Highway Fund to be expended only for the repair, maintenance, construction or reconstruction of highways.

          (d)  One Dollar ($1.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited to the credit of the special fund created in Section 27-19-44.2.

     (5)  A regular license tag must be properly displayed as required by law until replaced by a distinctive license tag under this section.  The regular license tag must be surrendered to the tax collector upon issuance of the distinctive license tag under this section.  The tax collector shall issue a month and year license decal for each distinctive license tag issued under this section, which will expire the same month and year as the license tag.

     (6)  In case of loss or theft of a distinctive license tag issued under this section, the owner may make application and affidavit for a replacement distinctive license tag as provided in Section 27-19-37.  The fee for a replacement distinctive license tag shall be Ten Dollars ($10.00).  The tax collector receiving such application and affidavit shall be entitled to retain and deposit into the county general fund five percent (5%) of the fee for such replacement license tag and the remainder shall be distributed in the same manner as funds from the sale of regular distinctive license tags issued under this section.

     SECTION 12.  (1)  Any owner of a motor vehicle, who is a resident of this state, upon complying with the motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles, and upon payment of the road and bridge privilege taxes, ad valorem taxes and registration fees as prescribed by law for private carriers of passengers, pickup trucks and other noncommercial motor vehicles, and upon payment of an additional annual fee in the amount provided in subsection (3), shall be issued a special license tag for each motor vehicle registered in his name identifying such person as a supporter of the Mississippi Forestry Association.   The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the State Tax Commission, with the advice of the Mississippi Forestry Association, may prescribe, and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

     (2)  Application for the distinctive license tags authorized by this section shall be made to the county tax collector on forms prescribed by the State Tax Commission.  The application and the additional fee imposed under subsection (3) of this section, less Two Dollars ($2.00) thereof to be retained by the tax collector, shall be remitted to the State Tax Commission on a monthly basis as prescribed by the commission.  The portion of the additional fee retained by the tax collector shall be deposited into the county general fund.

     (3)  Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2003, any person applying for a distinctive license tag under this section shall pay an additional fee in the amount of Thirty Dollars ($30.00) for each distinctive license tag applied for under this section, which shall be in addition to all other taxes and fees.  The additional fee paid shall be for a period of time to run concurrent with the vehicle's established license tag year.  The additional fee is due and payable at the time the original application is made for a distinctive license tag under this section and thereafter annually at the time of renewal registration as long as the owner retains the distinctive license tag.  If the owner does not wish to retain the distinctive license tag, he must surrender it to the local county tax collector.

     (4)  The State Tax Commission shall deposit all fees into the State Treasury on the day collected.  At the end of each month, the State Tax Commission shall certify to the State Treasurer the total fees collected under this section from the issuance of the distinctive license tags issued under this section.  The State Treasurer shall distribute such collections as follows:

          (a)  Twenty-four Dollars ($24.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be disbursed to the Mississippi Forestry Association to be used for public relations and educational programs informing citizens about conservation practices.

          (b)  One Dollar ($1.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the Mississippi Fire Fighter's Memorial Burn Center Fund created pursuant to Section 7-9-70.

          (c)  Two Dollars ($2.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited to the credit of the State Highway Fund to be expended solely for the repair, maintenance, construction or reconstruction of highways.

          (d)  One Dollar ($1.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited to the credit of the special fund created in Section 27-19-44.2.

     (5)  A regular license tag must be properly displayed as required by law until replaced by a distinctive license tag under this section.  The regular license tag must be surrendered to the tax collector upon issuance of the distinctive license tag under this section.  The tax collector shall issue month and year decals for each distinctive license tag issued under this section, which will expire the same month and year as the regular license tag.

     (6)  In the case of loss or theft of a distinctive license tag issued under this section, the owner may make application and affidavit for a replacement distinctive license tag as provided by Section 27-19-37.  The fee for a replacement distinctive license tag shall be Ten Dollars ($10.00).  The tax collector receiving such application and affidavit shall be entitled to retain and deposit into the county general fund five percent (5%) of the fee for such replacement license tag and the remainder shall be distributed proportionately in the same manner as funds from the sale of regular distinctive license tags issued under this section.

     SECTION 13.  (1)  Any owner of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon payment of the road and bridge privilege taxes, ad valorem taxes and registration fees as prescribed by law for private carriers of passengers, pickup trucks and other noncommercial motor vehicles, and upon payment of an additional fee in the amount provided in subsection (3) of this section, shall be issued a distinctive license tag for each motor vehicle registered in his name identifying such person as a supporter of Mississippi Blood Services, Inc.  The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the State Tax Commission, with the advice of Mississippi Blood Services, Inc., may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

     (2)  Application for the distinctive license tags authorized by this section shall be made to the county tax collector on forms prescribed by the State Tax Commission.  The application and the additional fee imposed under subsection (3) of this section, less Two Dollars ($2.00) to be retained by the tax collector, shall be remitted to the State Tax Commission on a monthly basis as prescribed by the commission.  The portion of the additional fee retained by the tax collector shall be deposited into the county general fund.

     (3)  Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2003, any person applying for a distinctive license tag under this section shall pay an additional fee in the amount of Thirty Dollars ($30.00) for each distinctive license tag applied for under this section, which shall be in addition to all other taxes and fees.  The additional fee paid shall be for a period of time to run concurrent with the vehicle's established license tag year.  The additional fee is due and payable at the time the original application is made for a distinctive license tag under this section and thereafter annually at the time of renewal registration as long as the owner retains the distinctive license tag.  If the owner does not wish to retain the distinctive license tag, he must surrender it to the local county tax collector.

     (4)  The State Tax Commission shall deposit all fees into the State Treasury on the day collected.  At the end of each month, the State Tax Commission shall certify the total fees collected under this section to the State Treasurer who shall distribute such collections as follows:

          (a)  Twenty-four Dollars ($24.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be distributed to Mississippi Blood Services, Inc.

          (b)  One Dollar ($1.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the Mississippi Fire Fighter's Memorial Burn Center Fund created pursuant to Section 7-9-70.

          (c)  Two Dollars ($2.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited to the credit of the State Highway Fund to be expended solely for the repair, maintenance, construction or reconstruction of highways.

          (d)  One Dollar ($1.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited to the credit of the special fund created in Section 27-19-44.2.

     (5)  A regular license tag must be properly displayed as required by law until replaced by a distinctive license tag under this section.  The regular license tag must be surrendered to the tax collector upon issuance of the distinctive license tag under this section.  The tax collector shall issue up to two (2) license decals for each distinctive license tag issued under this section, which will expire the same month and year as the regular license tag.

     (6)  In the case of loss or theft of a distinctive license tag issued under this section, the owner may make application and affidavit for a replacement distinctive license tag as provided by Section 27-19-37.  The fee for a replacement distinctive license tag shall be Ten Dollars ($10.00).  The tax collector receiving such application and affidavit shall be entitled to retain and deposit into the county general fund five percent (5%) of the fee for such replacement license tag and the remainder shall be distributed in the same manner as funds from the sale of regular distinctive license tags issued under this section.

     SECTION 14.  In recognition of the patriotic service rendered by Mississippians who are honorably discharged veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces during the Vietnam Conflict and were awarded a Vietnam Service Ribbon, any such person is privileged to obtain distinctive motor vehicle license plates or tags for each motor vehicle registered in his name identifying his status as a Vietnam veteran.  The State Tax Commission, with concurrence by the State Veterans Affairs Board, shall develop decals to be affixed to the license tag indicating branch and period of military service.  The distinctive plates or tags shall be of a color and design designated by the Tax Commission with concurrence by the State Veterans Affairs Board.

     The distinctive license plates shall be prepared by the Tax Commission and shall be issued through the tax collectors of the counties in the same manner as are other motor vehicle license plates or tags.  An additional annual tag fee of Thirty Dollars ($30.00) shall be collected by the tax collector for such license plates or tags and shall be remitted to the Tax Commission on a monthly basis as prescribed by the commission.  The additional fee is due and payable at the time the original application is made for a distinctive tag under this section and thereafter annually at the time of renewal registration as long as the owner retains the distinctive license tag.  The State Tax Commission shall deposit such fee to the credit of a fund to be administered by the board overseeing the veterans nursing homes in this state for the benefit of indigent veterans who are residents of such nursing homes.

     An applicant for such distinctive plates shall present to the issuing official written evidence of the veteran's service.  Such evidence shall include a copy of the applicant's DD-214 form, a Report of Separation from Military Service, a military discharge document, or a written certification of military service from the State Veterans Affairs Board.  The distinctive license plates or tags so issued shall be used only upon a personally or jointly owned private passenger vehicle (to include station wagons, recreational motor vehicles and pickup trucks) registered in the name, or jointly in the name, of the person making application therefor, and when issued to such person shall be used upon the vehicle for which issued in lieu of the standard license plate or license tag normally issued for such vehicle.

     The distinctive license plates shall not be transferable between motor vehicle owners; and in the event the owner of a vehicle bearing a distinctive plate shall sell, trade, exchange or otherwise dispose of the vehicle, such plate shall be retained by such owner and returned to the tax collector.

     SECTION 15.  Section 27-19-56.55, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     27-19-56.55.  (1)  Any owner of a motor vehicle who is a retired member of the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol and who is a resident of this state, upon payment of the road and bridge privilege taxes, ad valorem taxes and registration fees as prescribed by law for private carriers of passengers, pickup trucks and other noncommercial motor vehicles, and upon payment of an additional fee in the amount provided in subsection (3) of this section, shall be issued a distinctive license tag for each motor vehicle registered in his name identifying such person as a retired member of the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol.  The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the State Tax Commission may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag and may, in the discretion of the State Tax Commission, display the county name.

     (2)  Application for the distinctive license tags authorized by this section shall be made to the county tax collector on forms prescribed by the State Tax Commission.  Applicants for such distinctive license tags shall present proof that they are a retired member of the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol by presentation of a signed and notarized affidavit from the Commissioner of Public Safety.  The application and the additional fee imposed under subsection (3) of this section, less Two Dollars ($2.00) thereof to be retained by the tax collector, shall be remitted to the State Tax Commission on a monthly basis as prescribed by the commission.  The portion of the additional fee retained by the tax collector shall be deposited into the county general fund.

     (3)  Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2002, any person applying for a distinctive license tag under this section shall pay an additional fee in the amount of Thirty Dollars ($30.00) for each distinctive license tag applied for under this section, which shall be in addition to all other taxes and fees.  The additional fee paid shall be for a period of time to run concurrent with the vehicle's established license tag year.  The additional fee is due and payable at the time the original application is made for a distinctive license tag under this section and thereafter annually at the time of renewal registration as long as the owner retains the distinctive license tag.  If the owner does not wish to retain the distinctive license tag, he must surrender it to the local county tax collector.

     (4)  The State Tax Commission shall deposit all fees into the State Treasury on the day collected.  At the end of each month, the State Tax Commission shall certify * * * the total fees collected under this section * * * to the State Treasurer who shall distribute * * * such collections as follows:

          (a)  Twenty-four Dollars ($24.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be distributed to the Mississippi Troopers Association, Inc.

          (b)  One Dollar ($1.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the Mississippi Fire Fighter's Memorial Burn Center Fund created pursuant to Section 7-9-70.

          (c)  Two Dollars ($2.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited to the credit of the State Highway Fund to be expended solely for the repair, maintenance, construction or reconstruction of highways.

          (d)  One Dollar ($1.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited to the credit of the special fund created in Section 27-19-44.2.

     (5)  A regular license tag must be properly displayed as required by law until replaced by a distinctive license tag under this section.  The regular license tag must be surrendered to the tax collector upon issuance of the distinctive license tag under this section.  The tax collector shall issue up to two (2) license decals for each distinctive license tag issued under this section, which will expire the same month and year as the regular license tag.

     (6)  In the case of loss or theft of a distinctive license tag issued under this section, the owner may make application and affidavit for a replacement distinctive license tag as provided by Section 27-19-37.  The fee for a replacement distinctive license tag shall be Ten Dollars ($10.00).  The tax collector receiving such application and affidavit shall be entitled to retain and deposit into the county general fund five percent (5%) of the fee for such replacement license tag and the remainder shall be distributed in the same manner as funds from the sale of regular distinctive license tags issued under this section.

     SECTION 16.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2003.