Adopted

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT NO 1 PROPOSED TO

Senate Bill No. 2090

BY: Committee

     Amend by striking all after the enacting clause and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

 


     SECTION 1.  Section 27-19-56.94, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     27-19-56.94.  (1)  Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2007, owners of motor vehicles 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) of this section, shall be entitled to a distinctive license tag that demonstrates their appreciation of blues music.  The tags shall be of such color and design as the State Tax Commission prescribes subject to the approval of the Mississippi License Tag Commission; however, each tag shall display the words "Mississippi, Home of the Blues" 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 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)  * * * 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 the special fund created in subsection (7) of this section.

          (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 * * * Burn Care 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.

     (7)  There is established in the State Treasury a special fund to be known as the Blues Heritage Fund which shall consist of monies required to be deposited therein under subsection (4) of this section.  Monies in the special fund shall be appropriated by the Legislature for projects that preserve and promote Mississippi's blues music heritage.  Unexpended amounts remaining in the special fund at the end of the fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any interest earned or investment earnings on amounts in the special fund shall be deposited to the credit of the special fund.

     (8)  In order for a distinctive license tag to be issued under this section, the provisions of Section 27-19-44(2) must be satisfied for the distinctive license tag before July 1, 2010.

     SECTION 2.  (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 domestic violence awareness.  The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the State Tax Commission, with the advice of the Chief Executive Officer of Our Home, 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, 2007, 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 concurrently 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 distributed to Our House.

          (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 Burn Care 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 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 the Mississippi State Equine 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 State Equine 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, 2007, 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 concurrently 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 State Equine Association.

          (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 Burn Care 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 4.  (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) of this section, shall be entitled to a distinctive license tag displaying the phrase "In God We Trust," for each motor vehicle registered in his name.  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.  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, 2007, 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 concurrently 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 in equal amounts to the Mississippi chapter, organization or division of Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the USA and the Salvation Army.

          (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 Burn Care 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 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 any motor vehicle registered in his name identifying such person as a supporter of the Police Benevolent Foundation.  The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the State Tax Commission, with the advice of the Board of Trustees of the Police Benevolent Foundation, 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, 2007, 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 concurrently 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 distributed to the Police Benevolent 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 Burn Care 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 any motor vehicle registered in his name identifying such person as a supporter of the GFWC Mississippi Federation of Women's Club, Incorporated.  The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the State Tax Commission, with the advice of the Executive Board of the GFWC Mississippi Federation of Women's Club, Incorporated, 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, 2007, 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 concurrently 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 distributed to the GFWC Mississippi Federation of Women's Club, Incorporated.

          (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 Burn Care 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.  Section 27-19-56, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     27-19-56.  (1)  Upon application by any legal resident of the State of Mississippi with a disability which limits or impairs the ability to walk, the State Tax Commission shall prepare and issue through the county tax collectors a special license plate bearing the International Symbol of Access adopted by Rehabilitation International in 1969 at its Eleventh World Congress on Rehabilitation of the Disabled for not more than two (2) vehicles that are registered in the applicant's name.  The initial application shall be accompanied by the certification of a licensed physician that (a) the applicant meets the definition of persons with disabilities which limit or impair the ability to walk; and (b) that the physician has determined that the applicant will have the disability for at least five (5) years.  The State Tax Commission shall prepare and issue to the tax collectors of the various counties, decals for placement on the special license plates.  The decals shall bear thereon the month in which the license plate was issued and the year in which the special license plate will expire.  The special license plate issued under this section is valid for the period of time that the license tag attached upon a motor vehicle is issued pursuant to Section 27-19-31(1).  A person to whom the special license plate is issued may retain the special license plate and may renew it by submitting to the county tax collector, on or before its expiration, the certification of a licensed physician that the physician has determined (a) that the applicant meets the definition of a person with a disability which limits or impairs the ability to walk; and (b) that the applicant will have the disability for at least five (5) years.  If an applicant fails to renew the special license plate before its date of expiration, then he shall surrender the special license plate to the county tax collector and the tax collector shall issue to such person a regular license plate to replace the special license plate.

     The terms "vehicle" and "motor vehicle," as used in this section, includes motorcycles.

     The term "persons with disabilities which limit or impair the ability to walk" when used in this section means those persons who, as determined by a licensed physician:

          (a)  Cannot walk two hundred (200) feet without stopping to rest; or

          (b)  Cannot walk without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive device; or

          (c)  Are restricted by lung disease to such an extent that the person's forced (respiratory) expiratory volume for one (1) second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one (1) liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than sixty (60) mm/hg on room air at rest; or

          (d)  Use portable oxygen; or

          (e)  Have a cardiac condition to the extent that the person's functional limitations are classified in severity as Class III or Class IV according to standards set by the American Heart Association; or

          (f)  Are severely limited in their ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological or orthopedic condition.

     An applicant for a special license plate bearing the International Symbol of Access shall not be required to pay any fee or charge for the issuance of such license plate separate from or in addition to the road and bridge privilege taxes, ad valorem taxes and registration fees otherwise required by law to be paid for the issuance of a regular license plate for such vehicle.

     (2)  The State Tax Commission shall prepare removable windshield placards and such placards shall be issued and periodically renewed upon the applications of persons with disabilities which limit or impair the ability to walk.  The placards shall be issued, free of charge, to applicants through the offices of the tax collectors of the counties.  The initial application shall be accompanied by the certification of a licensed physician that the applicant meets the definition of persons with disabilities which limit or impair the ability to walk.  These placards shall be valid for the period oftime that the license tag attached upon a motor vehicle is issued pursuant to Section 27-19-31(1) and may be renewed in the same manner as provided for the renewal of the special license plates under subsection (1) of this section.  The removable windshield placard must be displayed on the left side of the vehicle dashboard or by hanging it on the rearview mirror of the vehicle.  The State Tax Commission shall prescribe the placement for motorcycles.

     (3)  The State Tax Commission shall provide for the issuance of a temporary removable windshield placard, upon the application of a person with a disability which limits or impairs the ability to walk.  Temporary removable windshield placards authorized by this subsection shall be prepared by the State Tax Commission and shall be issued, free of charge, to applicants through the offices of the tax collectors of the counties.  Application for a temporary removable windshield placard must be accompanied by the certification of a licensed physician that the applicant meets the definition of persons with disabilities which limit or impair the ability to walk.  The certification shall also include the period of time that the physician determines the applicant will have the disability, not to exceed six (6) months.  The temporary removable windshield placard must be displayed on the left side of the vehicle dashboard or by hanging it on the rearview mirror of the vehicle.  The temporary removable windshield placard shall be valid for a period of time for which the physician has determined that the applicant will have the disability, not to exceed six (6) months from the date of issuance.  The State Tax Commission shall prescribe the placement for motorcycles.

     (4)  The removable windshield placard and the temporary removable windshield placard shall be two-sided and shall include:

          (a)  The International Symbol of Access, which is at least three (3) inches in height, centered on the placard (the color of the removable windshield placard shall be white on a blue shield; and the temporary removable windshield placard shall be white on a red shield);

          (b)  An identification number and, on the reverse side, the name of the individual to whom the placard is issued;

          (c)  A date of expiration; and

          (d)  The seal of the State of Mississippi.

     (5)  (a)  It shall be unlawful to park a motor vehicle in an area set aside for persons who are disabled if the motor vehicle does not (i) have displayed the removable windshield placard authorized in this section with the date of expiration visible, (ii) have the special license plate issued under this section properly displayed upon the motor vehicle, or (iii) have the disabled American veteran tag or plate issued under Section 27-19-53 properly displayed upon the motor vehicle.  Any person who unlawfully parks a motor vehicle in such areas, or who blocks such spaces or access thereto, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) for each such violation.  For the third and subsequent offenses under this section, the offender's driver's license shall be suspended for ninety (90) days by the Commissioner of Public Safety in accordance with Section 63-1-53 in addition to any fine imposed.  The court shall not suspend or reduce any fine required to be imposed under this subsection.

          (b)  A person who is charged with a violation of this section by parking a motor vehicle in an area set aside for persons who are disabled and failing properly to display (i) a removable windshield placard on the dash of the vehicle or by hanging it on the rearview mirror of the vehicle, (ii) a special license plate issued under this section upon the vehicle or (iii) a disabled American veteran tag or plate issued under Section 27-19-53 upon the vehicle shall not be convicted and shall have the charge dismissed upon presentation to the court of proof by means of sworn oral testimony or sworn affidavit that at the time of the charged violation he or a passenger in the vehicle possessed a valid removable windshield placard issued under this section.

     (6)  Any person who, for the purpose of obtaining a special license plate or windshield placard under this section, files with the county tax collector a physician's certification, knowing the certification to be false or to have been fraudulently obtained, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00).

     (7)  All law enforcement officers are authorized to enforce this section on public and private property.  Provision of spaces restricted to handicapped parking and proper marking of such spaces shall be considered as intent and permission to enforce such designated parking on private property.  Any owner of private property may tow away a vehicle that is parked on the owner's private property in violation of the disabled parking restrictions set forth in this section at the vehicle owner's expense.  In addition, the vehicle owner may be subject to any fines or other penalties provided in this section.  Only areas marked in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines or equivalent standards shall be enforced.  Spaces shall bear the International Symbol of Access.

     (8)  Motor vehicles displaying a special license plate, license plate decal, placard or parking certificate or permit bearing the International Symbol of Access issued to a person with a disability by any other state or district subject to the laws of the United States shall be allowed the special parking privileges under this section provided the license plate, decal, placard, permit or certificate bears the International Symbol of Access and is displayed in a prominent place on the vehicle.

     (9)  Parking in any area set aside for persons who are disabled is limited to vehicles which, immediately before or after the utilization of such an area, are used to transport a person with a disability which limits or impairs the ability to walk.  The identification required to park in such an area, except as provided in subsection (8) of this section, is as follows:

          (a)  For a vehicle used to transport a person with a permanent disability, that person's permanent windshield placard must be displayed or the vehicle must have a special license tag issued under this section or Section 27-19-53 properly displayed.

          (b)  For a vehicle being used by a person who has a temporary disability which limits or impairs the ability to walk, or which is being used to transport such a person, a temporary windshield placard must be displayed.

     Any person who parks in an area set aside for persons who are disabled in violation of this subsection shall be punished as provided for in subsection (5) of this section.

     (10)  Upon application by a nursing home, retirement home or other institution that transports disabled persons, the State Tax Commission may issue the special license plate authorized pursuant to this section for not more than one (1) vehicle that is registered in the applicant's name that is used to transport disabled residents of the institution.  Such institution shall comply with all other laws regarding the registration of such vehicle.

     SECTION 8.  Section 27-19-56.5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     27-19-56.5.  (1)  In recognition of the patriotic service rendered by Mississippians who survived the attack on Pearl Harbor and by Mississippians who are recipients of the Purple Heart Medal, any such person is privileged to obtain two (2) distinctive motor vehicle license plates or tags identifying him as a Pearl Harbor survivor or not more than two (2) distinctive motor vehicle license plates or tags identifying him as a Purple Heart Medal recipient.  The distinctive plates or tags shall be of a color and design designated by the State Tax Commission.

     (2)  The distinctive license plates shall be prepared by the State 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.  Atag fee of Fifteen Dollars ($15.00), in addition to all other taxes and fees, shall be collected by the tax collector for the Pearl Harbor distinctive tag.  The first distinctive tag issued to Purple Heart Medal recipients under the provisions of this section shall be exempt from ad valorem taxes, privilege taxes and all other taxes and fees.  There shall be no exemption from ad valorem taxes, privilege taxes or other taxes and fees for the issuance of a second distinctive tag to Purple Heart Medal recipients.  However, the surviving spouse of a deceased person who was issued a Purple Heart Medal distinctive license plate or tag under this section shall be entitled to apply for or retain one (1) such license tag and may continue annually to renew registration for such distinctive motor vehicle license plate or tag for as long as the spouse remains unmarried.  At the time of application or renewal registration, a surviving spouse who desires to retain such distinctive plate or tag shall file with the county tax collector a sworn statement that the spouse is unmarried, and any such vehicle when so registered shall be exempt from ad valorem taxes, privilege taxes and all other taxes and fees.  The tax collector shall monthly forward the additional fee of Fifteen Dollars ($15.00) charged for issuance of a Pearl Harbor distinctive tag to the State Tax Commission which shall deposit such fee to the credit of the State General Fund.  An applicant for a distinctive tag under this section shall present to the issuing official either (a) written proof that the applicant is an honorably discharged former member of one (1) of the Armed Forces of the United States and, while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States, was present during the attack on the island of Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, on December 7, 1941, between the hours of 7:55 a.m. and 9:45 a.m., Hawaii time, or (b) written proof that the applicant is a Purple Heart Medal recipient.  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.

     (3)  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.

     (4)  A vehicle that displays a distinctive license plate issued under this section may park free of charge in any state parking space or state parking facility when the person to whom the license plate was issued is operating or occupying the vehicle.

     (5)  Any person evading or violating any of the provisions of this section, or attempting to secure benefits under this section to which he is not entitled, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not less than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) or imprisoned in the county jail for not less than six (6) months, or both.

     SECTION 9.  Section 27-19-56.40, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     27-19-56.40.  (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 Knights of Columbus.  The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the State Tax Commission, with the advice of Knights of Columbus, 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, 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 concurrently 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 distributed to Knights of Columbus of Mississippi.

          (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 * * * Burn Care 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 issued 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 10.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2007.


     Further, amend by striking the title in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

 


     AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.94, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REAUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS TO PERSONS WHO WISH TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR APPRECIATION OF BLUES MUSIC; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS TO SUPPORTERS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS; TO PRESCRIBE AN ADDITIONAL FEE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH LICENSE TAGS; TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF MONIES DERIVED FROM THE ADDITIONAL FEE; TO AUTHORIZE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS TO SUPPORTERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI STATE EQUINE ASSOCIATION; TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL FEE FOR SUCH LICENSE TAGS;  TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF SUCH FEES; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS DISPLAYING THE PHRASE "IN GOD WE TRUST"; TO PROVIDE FOR THE COLLECTION OF AN ADDITIONAL FEE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH LICENSE TAGS; TO PROVIDE THAT A PORTION OF THE ADDITIONAL FEE SHALL BE DISBURSED IN EQUAL AMOUNTS TO THE MISSISSIPPI CHAPTER, ORGANIZATION OR DIVISION OF BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA, GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND THE SALVATION ARMY; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS TO SUPPORTERS OF THE POLICE BENEVOLENT FOUNDATION; TO PRESCRIBE AN ADDITIONAL FEE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH LICENSE TAGS; TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF SUCH FEES; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS TO SUPPORTERS OF THE GFWC MISSISSIPPI FEDERATION OF WOMEN'S CLUB, INCORPORATED; TO PRESCRIBE AN ADDITIONAL FEE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH LICENSE TAGS; TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF SUCH FEES; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO INCREASE FROM ONE TO TWO THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF SPECIAL LICENSE TAGS THAT MAY BE ISSUED TO A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY WHICH LIMITS OR IMPAIRS THE ABILITY TO WALK; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.5, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO INCREASE FROM ONE TO TWO THE NUMBER OF PEARL HARBOR SURVIVOR DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS THAT A QUALIFIED APPLICANT MAY BE ISSUED; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.40, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT THAT A PERSON MUST BE A MEMBER OF KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS IN ORDER TO BE ISSUED A KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAG; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.