MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2023 Regular Session

To: Ways and Means

By: Representative Zuber

House Bill 1136

(As Sent to Governor)

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS TO SUPPORTERS OF THE 2022 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP OLE MISS REBELS BASEBALL TEAM; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS TO SUPPORTERS OF THE 2021 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP OLE MISS REBELS WOMEN'S GOLF TEAM; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS TO SUPPORTERS OF NORTHEAST JONES HIGH SCHOOL; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS TO SUPPORTERS OF MISSISSIPPI TOWING AND RECOVERY PROFESSIONALS, INC.; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS TO SUPPORTERS OF JACK AND JILL OF AMERICA, INC.; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS TO PERSONS WHO ARE THE UNREMARRIED SURVIVING SPOUSE OF A PERSON WHO WAS A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER OR OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT EMPLOYEE WHO DIED WHILE ENGAGED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF HIS OR HER OFFICIAL DUTIES OR WAS WOUNDED OR OTHERWISE RECEIVED INTENTIONAL OR ACCIDENTAL BODILY INJURY WHILE ENGAGED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF HIS OR HER OFFICIAL DUTIES AND LATER DIED AS A RESULT OF SUCH WOUNDS OR INJURY; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS TO PERSONS WHO ARE REGISTERED RESPIRATORY THERAPISTS; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS TO PERSONS WHO ARE HONORABLY DISCHARGED FROM SERVICE AS MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.549, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS TO SUPPORTERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI ROAD BUILDERS ASSOCIATION; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS TO SUPPORTERS OF THE CLINTON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS TO SUPPORTERS OF MAGNOLIA SPEECH SCHOOL; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS TO SUPPORTERS OF COAHOMA COUNTY JR./SR. HIGH SCHOOL; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS TO SUPPORTERS OF THE CLINTON COMMUNITY NATURE CENTER; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS TO SUPPORTERS OF THE MOST WORSHIPFUL KING HIRAM GRAND LODGE & ELECTRA GRAND CHAPTER ORDER OF EASTERN STAR A.F. & A.M., STATE OF MISSISSIPPI; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS TO SUPPORTERS OF THE CITY OF OLIVE BRANCH; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS TO SUPPORTERS OF THE METHODIST CURSILLO OF MISSISSIPPI; TO PRESCRIBE AN ADDITIONAL FEE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH TAGS; TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE ADDITIONAL FEE COLLECTED FROM THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH TAGS; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-51, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTORCYCLE LICENSE TAGS TO PERSONS WHO ARE ACTIVE DUTY AND RETIRED MEMBERS OF THE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD OR THE AIR NATIONAL GUARD, IDENTIFYING SUCH PERSONS WITH SUCH ORGANIZATIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.57, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REAUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF A DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAG IDENTIFYING THE OWNER OF THE MOTOR VEHICLE AS A MEMBER OF THE CLERGY; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.70, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH AUTHORIZES THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS WITH THE WORDS "CHOOSE LIFE" CENTERED AT THE BOTTOM OF THE LICENSE TAG, TO REFLECT THE CHANGE OF THE NAME OF THE CHOOSE LIFE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO CHOOSE LIFE MISSISSIPPI; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.277, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REAUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS WITH THE WORDS "WE LOVE LIFE" CENTERED AT THE BOTTOM OF THE LICENSE TAG; TO REFLECT THE CHANGE OF THE NAME OF THE CHOOSE LIFE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO CHOOSE LIFE MISSISSIPPI; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.289, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REAUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS TO SUPPORTERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI SCHOOL FOR MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.412, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REAUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS WITH THE WORD "ADOPTION" USED IN THE DESIGN OF THE LICENSE TAG; TO REFLECT THE CHANGE OF THE NAME OF THE CHOOSE LIFE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO CHOOSE LIFE MISSISSIPPI; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.417, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REAUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS TO SUPPORTERS OF THE WEST POINT CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.448, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REAUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS TO SUPPORTERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI AQUARIUM; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.474, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REAUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS TO SUPPORTERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI SWEET POTATO COUNCIL; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.503, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REAUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS TO SUPPORTERS OF THOMAS E. EDWARDS HIGH SCHOOL; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.506, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REAUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS TO SUPPORTERS OF THE FORMER HINDS AGRICULTURAL HIGH SCHOOL; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.522, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS TO MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MISSISSIPPI WILDLIFE, FISHERIES AND PARKS FOUNDATION; TO PRESCRIBE AN ADDITIONAL FEE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH TAGS; TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE ADDITIONAL FEE COLLECTED FROM THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH TAGS; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-44, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO EXEMPT THE DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAG AUTHORIZED TO BE ISSUED TO PERSONS WHO ARE HONORABLY DISCHARGED FROM SERVICE AS MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE FROM THE REQUIREMENT THAT A CERTAIN NUMBER OF SUCH TAGS MUST BE PURCHASED PRIOR TO ISSUANCE; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH AUTHORIZES THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS TO MEMBERS AND CERTAIN FORMER MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE, TO REVISE THE PERSONS TO WHICH A REPLICA OF SUCH DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS MAY BE ISSUED; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. (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 2022 National Championship Ole Miss Rebels Baseball Team. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Chancellor of the University of Mississippi or his designee, may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag. The Chancellor of the University of Mississippi or his designee shall choose the first one hundred (100) tag numbers and provide them to the Department of Revenue.

(2) Application for the distinctive license tags authorized by this section shall be made to the county tax collector on forms prescribed by the Department of Revenue. 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 Department of Revenue on a monthly basis as prescribed by the department. 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 Fifty Dollars ($50.00) 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 Department of Revenue shall deposit all fees into the State Treasury on the day collected. At the end of each month, the Department of Revenue 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) Forty-four Dollars ($44.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be distributed to the University of Mississippi 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 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 the 2021 National Championship Ole Miss Rebels Women's Golf Team. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Chancellor of the University of Mississippi or his designee, may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag. The Chancellor of the University of Mississippi or his designee shall choose the first one hundred (100) tag numbers and provide them to the Department of Revenue.

(a) Forty-four Dollars ($44.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be distributed to the University of Mississippi Foundation.

(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.

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 any motor vehicle registered in his name identifying such person as a supporter of Northeast Jones High School. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Principal of Northeast Jones High School, may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

(3) Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2023, 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.

(a) Twenty-four Dollars ($24.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be distributed to Northeast Jones High School for use to purchase classroom supplies for teachers and to support of the high school band program.

(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.

(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 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 Mississippi Towing and Recovery Professionals, Inc. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of Mississippi Towing and Recovery Professionals, Inc., may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

(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 Towing and Recovery Professionals, Inc., for the benefit of its Survivors Fund.

(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.

(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 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 Jack and Jill of America, Inc. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Jackson, Mississippi Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

(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 Jackson, Mississippi Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

(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.

(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 and the unremarried surviving spouse of a person who was a law enforcement officer or other law enforcement employee who died while engaged in the performance of his or her official duties or was wounded or otherwise received intentional or accidental bodily injury while engaged in the performance of his or her official duties and later died as a result of such wounds or injury, 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. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Mississippi Police Benevolent Association, may prescribe. The Department of Revenue 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 Department of Revenue. An applicant for such a distinctive license tag must provide official written documentation that the applicant is the unremarried surviving spouse of a person who was a law enforcement officer or other law enforcement employee who died while engaged in the performance of his or her official duties or was wounded or otherwise received intentional or accidental bodily injury while engaged in the performance of his or her official duties and later died as a result of such wounds or injury. 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 Department of Revenue on a monthly basis as prescribed by the department. The portion of the additional fee retained by the tax collector shall be deposited into the county general fund.

(4) The Department of Revenue shall deposit all fees into the State Treasury on the day collected. At the end of each month, the Department of Revenue 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 disbursed to the Mississippi Police Benevolent Association.

(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.

(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 and a registered respiratory therapist, 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 respiratory therapist. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of Mississippi Society for Respiratory Care, Inc., may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

(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 Society for Respiratory Care, Inc.

(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.

(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) (a) In recognition of the patriotic services rendered by Mississippians who are honorably discharged from service as members of the United States Merchant Marine, any such person, 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 privileged to obtain one (1) distinctive motor vehicle license plate or tag for each motor vehicle registered in his or her name identifying him or her as a former member of the United States Merchant Marine. The tags shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue 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 shall be made to the county tax collector on forms prescribed by the Department of Revenue. An applicant for such distinctive license tags shall present to the issuing official written proof that the applicant is an honorably discharged former member of the United States Merchant Marine. Such proof shall include a copy of the applicant's certificate of discharge or similar document or other certification of service from the United States Merchant Marine or other appropriate entity identifying the person as a former member of the United States Merchant Marine. The application and the additional fee, less Two Dollars ($2.00) to be retained by the tax collector, shall be remitted to the Department of Revenue on a monthly basis as prescribed by the department. 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, 2023, 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 or she must surrender it to the local county tax collector.

(4) The Department of Revenue shall deposit all fees into the State Treasury on the day received. At the end of each month, the Department of Revenue 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 or renewed under this section shall be deposited in the State Treasury to the credit of a special fund to be administered by the board of the Mississippi Veterans Affairs for the support of indigent veterans who are residents of the state veterans homes and the support of the operations of the state veterans homes and cemeteries.

(b) One Dollar ($1.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued or renewed 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 or renewed 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 or renewed 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 or renewed 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 or renewed 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 or renewed under this section.

SECTION 9. Section 27-19-56.549, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-56.549. (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 (4) 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 any one (1) of the following:

(a) Mississippi Association of Nurse Practitioners;

(b) Seabee Historical Foundation;

(d) Vancleave Live Oak Choctaw;

(e) Morton High School;

(f) Forest Municipal School District;

(g) Lake High School;

(h) Scott Central Attendance Center;

(i) Sebastopol Attendance Center;

(j) East Rankin Academy;

(k) Houston High School;

(l) Magnolia Heights School;

(m) Regents School of Oxford;

(n) The Garden Clubs of Mississippi, Inc.;

(o) Baptist Health Foundation, Inc.;

(p) Greene County Wildcats;

(q) Mississippi Disc Golf;

(r) Mississippi Road Builders Association;

(s) Clinton Public School District;

(t) Magnolia Speech School;

(u) Coahoma County Jr./Sr. High School;

(v) Clinton Community Nature Center;

(w) Most Worshipful King Hiram Grand Lodge & Electra Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Star A.F. & A.M., State of Mississippi;

(x) City of Olive Branch, Mississippi;

(y) Methodist Cursillo of Mississippi.

(2) The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the respective beneficiary organization listed in subsection (1) of this section, may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

(3) Application for the distinctive license tags authorized by this section shall be made to the county tax collector on forms prescribed by the Department of Revenue. The application and the additional fee imposed under subsection (4) of this section, less Two Dollars ($2.00) thereof to be retained by the tax collector, shall be remitted to the Department of Revenue on a monthly basis as prescribed by the department. The portion of the additional fee retained by the tax collector shall be deposited into the county general fund.

(4) Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2022, 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.

(5) The Department of Revenue shall deposit all fees into the State Treasury on the day collected. At the end of each month, the Department of Revenue 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 appropriate beneficiary organization listed in subsection (1) of this section.

(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.

(6) 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.

(7) 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. Section 27-19-51, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-51. (1) (a) In recognition of their many and varied patriotic services rendered the state, the United States and the citizens thereof, Mississippians who have completed an active duty career with the Armed Forces of the United States and active duty and retired members of the Army National Guard, Air National Guard, and the United States Reserves, including both enlisted and officer personnel, upon application and subject to the provisions of this section may be issued distinctive motor vehicle license plates or tags identifying these persons with such organizations. For the purposes of this section the term "Armed Forces" includes the United States Merchant Marines and members thereof in maritime service during the period from December 7, 1941 to August 15, 1945. The distinctive plates or tags so issued shall comply with the provisions of Section 27-19-41 and shall be of such color and design as may be agreed upon by the Adjutant General and the Department of Revenue for the Army National Guard or Air National Guard, by the Mississippi chapters of the Retired Officers Association and the Retired Non-Commissioned Officers Association and the Department of Revenue for retired active duty members of the Armed Forces of the United States, and by the Department of Revenue for retired members of the United States Merchant Marines. Each distinctive license plate shall bear the words "National Guard" or the name of the appropriate armed service and need not bear prefixed numbers identifying the county of issuance.

(b) In recognition of their many and varied patriotic services rendered the state, the United States and the citizens thereof, Mississippians who are active duty and retired members of the Army National Guard and/or the Air National Guard, including both enlisted and officer personnel, upon application and subject to the provisions of this section may be issued distinctive motorcycle license plates or tags identifying these persons with such organizations. The distinctive plates or tags so issued shall comply with the provisions of Section 27-19-41 and shall be of such color and design as may be agreed upon by the Adjutant General and the Department of Revenue. Each distinctive license plate shall bear the words "National Guard" and need not bear prefixed numbers identifying the county of issuance.

(2) The surviving spouse of any person who was issued a distinctive license plate or tag under subsection (1) of this section because of completion of an active duty career with the Armed Forces of the United States or because of retirement from the Army National Guard, Air National Guard or United States Reserves, or any prisoner of war issued a distinctive license plate or tag under Section 27-19-54, shall be eligible to receive the same type of distinctive license plate or tag which the deceased spouse was issued.

(3) The distinctive license plates here provided for shall be prepared by the Department of Revenue and shall be issued through the tax collectors of the several counties of the state in like manner as are other motor vehicle license plates or tags and motorcycle license plates or tags and such officers shall be entitled to their regular fees for such service. Applicants for such distinctive plates shall present to the issuing official proof of their membership in the Army National Guard, Air National Guard, or United States Reserves by means of certificate signed by the commanding officer of such applicant on forms prescribed by the Adjutant General of Mississippi. Retired members of the Armed Forces of the United States applying for such plates shall present to the issuing officials a copy of their active duty retirement orders or other proof of retirement from active service with one of the Armed Forces of the United States. The distinctive license plates or tags so issued shall be used only upon and for personally or jointly owned private passenger vehicles (to include station wagons, recreational motor vehicles and pickup trucks) and/or motorcycles registered in the name, or jointly in the name, of the member making application therefor, and when so issued to such applicant shall be used upon the vehicle or motorcycle for which issued in lieu of the standard license plate or license tag normally issued for such vehicle or motorcycle.

(4) In addition to use of such distinctive license plates or tags on such personally or jointly owned vehicles, such distinctive plate or tag may be used on state-owned vehicles operated by the State Military Department provided the prefix "MNG" is placed ahead of the number thereon. Motor vehicles for which such distinctive license plates or tags are issued shall be registered by the proper official as are other motor vehicles.

(5) The distinctive license plates issued hereunder shall not be transferable between motor vehicle or motorcycle owners; and in the event the owner of a vehicle or motorcycle bearing such distinctive plate shall sell, trade, exchange or otherwise dispose of the vehicle or motorcycle, such plate shall be retained by the owner to whom issued and returned by the owner to the tax collector of the county or the Department of Revenue, as the case may be.

(6) The Adjutant General is authorized to recognize not more than one hundred (100) senior staff officers, commanders, command sergeants major and senior enlisted advisors by designating the issue of National Guard distinctive license plates or tags numbered "1" through "100." These license plates or tags shall be retained by the individual so designated and may be transferred between vehicles or individuals under procedures established by the Department of Revenue. The Adjutant General is responsible for furnishing the Department of Revenue necessary information to effect issue or transfer of these specially numbered license plates or tags.

(7) National Guard plates or tags shall be prepared and furnished for the licensing year commencing November 1, 1962, and annually thereafter. The Adjutant General shall furnish the Department of Revenue with an estimate of the number of such distinctive plates or tags required in each of the several counties of the state.

(8) The provisions of this section are supplementary to the laws of this state pertaining to the licensing of motor vehicles and nothing herein shall be construed as abridging or repealing any of such laws.

SECTION 11. Section 27-19-56.57, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-56.57. (1) Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, * * *~~2016~~ 2023, any owner of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state and who is a member of the clergy, 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 member of the clergy. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

(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 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.

(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 Baptist Children's Village of Mississippi.

(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.

(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) In order for a distinctive license tag to be issued under this section, the provisions of Section 27-19-44(3) must be satisfied for the distinctive license tag before July 1, * * *~~2019~~ 2026.

SECTION 12. Section 27-19-56.70, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-56.70. (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 ( * * *43) 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 the * * *~~State Tax Commission~~ Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Choose Life Advisory Committee, Choose Life Mississippi or any successor entity, as the case may be, may prescribe. The words "Choose Life" shall be centered at the bottom of the license tag. The * * *~~State Tax Commission~~ Department of Revenue 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~~ Department of Revenue. The application and the additional fee imposed under subsection ( * * *43) of this section, less Two Dollars ($2.00) to be retained by the tax collector, shall be remitted to the * * *~~State Tax Commission~~ Department of Revenue on a monthly basis as prescribed by the * * *~~commission~~ department. 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~~ 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~~ Department of Revenue shall deposit all fees into the State Treasury on the day collected. At the end of each month, the * * *~~State Tax Commission~~ Department of Revenue 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 disbursed to the Choose Life Advisory Committee, Choose Life Mississippi or any successor entity, as the case may be, to be used as provided for in subsection (5) 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 * * *~~Fire Fighters Memorial~~ Burn * * *~~Center~~ Care Fund created pursuant to Section 7-9-70.

(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) Funds disbursed to the Choose Life Advisory Committee, Choose Life Mississippi or any successor entity, as the case may be, under this section may be used for any purpose other than for administrative expenses, legal expenses, capital expenditures, attempting to influence any legislation or any political campaign on behalf or in opposition to any candidate for public office.

(6) 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) month and year license decals for each distinctive license tag issued under this section, which will expire the same month and year as the license tag.

SECTION 13. Section 27-19-56.277, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-56.277. (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 of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of * * * ~~the Choose Life Advisory Committee,~~ Choose Life Mississippi or any successor entity may prescribe. The words "We Love Life" shall be centered at the bottom of the license tag. The Department of Revenue 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 Department of Revenue. 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 Department of Revenue on a monthly basis as prescribed by the department. The portion of the additional fee retained by the tax collector shall be deposited into the county general fund.

(a) Forty-four Dollars ($44.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be disbursed to * * * ~~the~~ Choose Life * * * ~~Advisory Committee~~ Mississippi or any successor entity to be used as provided for in subsection (5) of this section.

(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) Funds disbursed to * * * ~~the Choose Life Advisory Committee~~ Choose Life Mississippi or any successor entity under this section may be used for any purpose other than for administrative expenses, legal expenses, capital expenditures, attempting to influence any legislation or any political campaign on behalf or in opposition to any candidate for public office.

(8) In order for a distinctive license tag to be issued under this section, the provisions of Section 27-19-44(3) must be satisfied for the distinctive license tag before July 1, * * *~~2018~~ 2026.

SECTION 14. Section 27-19-56.289, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-56.289. (1) Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2023, 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 School for Mathematics and Science. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Executive Director of the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

(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 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.

(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 School for Mathematics and Science.

(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.

(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) In order for a distinctive license tag to be issued under this section, the provisions of Section 27-19-44(3) must be satisfied for the distinctive license tag before July 1, 2026.

SECTION 15. Section 27-19-56.412, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-56.412. (1) Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, * * *~~2018~~ 2023, 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 of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of * * *~~the~~ Choose Life * * *~~Advisory Committee~~ Mississippi or any successor entity, may prescribe. The word "Adoption" shall be * * *~~centered at the bottom~~ used in the design of the license tag. The Department of Revenue 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 Department of Revenue. 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 Department of Revenue on a monthly basis as prescribed by the department. The portion of the additional fee retained by the tax collector shall be deposited into the county general fund.

(a) Forty-four Dollars ($44.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be disbursed to * * *~~the~~ Choose Life * * *~~Advisory Committee~~ Mississippi or any successor entity to be used as provided for in subsection (5) of this section.

(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) Funds disbursed to * * *~~the~~ Choose Life * * *~~Advisory Committee~~ Mississippi or any successor entity under this section may be used for any purpose other than for administrative expenses, legal expenses, capital expenditures, attempting to influence any legislation or any political campaign on behalf or in opposition to any candidate for public office.

SECTION 16. Section 27-19-56.417, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-56.417. (1) Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2023, 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 West Point Consolidated School District. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the West Point Consolidated School District, may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

(3) Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2016, 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.

(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 West Point Consolidated School District.

(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.

(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) In order for a distinctive license tag to be issued under this section, the provisions of Section 27-19-44(3) must be satisfied for the distinctive license tag before July 1, 2026.

SECTION 17. Section 27-19-56.448, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-56.448. (1) Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2023, 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 Aquarium. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the department ~~of Revenue~~, with the advice of the City of Gulfport, Mississippi, may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

(3) Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2017, 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.

(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 Aquarium Foundation.

(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.

(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) In order for a distinctive license tag to be issued under this section, the provisions of Section 27-19-44(3) must be satisfied for the distinctive license tag before July 1, 2026.

SECTION 18. Section 27-19-56.474, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-56.474. (1) Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, * * * ~~2019~~ 2023, 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 Sweet Potato Council. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the department, with the advice of the Mississippi Sweet Potato Council, may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

(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 Sweet Potato Council.

(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.

(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) In order for a distinctive license tag to be issued under this section, the provisions of Section 27-19-44(3) must be satisfied for the distinctive license tag before July 1, 2026.

SECTION 19. Section 27-19-56.503, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-56.503. (1) Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2023, 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 Thomas E. Edwards High School (formerly Ruleville Central High School). The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Principal of Thomas E. Edwards High School, may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

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

(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.

(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) In order for a distinctive license tag to be issued under this section, the provisions of Section 27-19-44(3) must be satisfied for the distinctive license tag before July 1, 2026.

SECTION 20. Section 27-19-56.506, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-56.506. (1) Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2023, 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 former Hinds Agricultural High School. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Hinds Agricultural High School Alumni Association, may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

(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 Hinds Agricultural High School Alumni Association.

(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.

(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) In order for a distinctive license tag to be issued under this section, the provisions of Section 27-19-44(3) must be satisfied for the distinctive license tag before July 1, 2026.

SECTION 21. Section 27-19-56.522, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-56.522. (1) (a) 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 Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Foundation. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Foundation, may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag. The total number of license tags prepared under this * * * ~~section~~ subsection (1)(a) shall not exceed one hundred fifty (150). The Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Foundation may designate the distinctive license tags to be issued to selected motor vehicle owners.

(b) Any owner of a motor vehicle who is a member of the board of directors of the Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Foundation, 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, and upon proof of board membership as required by the department, shall be issued a distinctive license tag for any motor vehicle registered in his name identifying such person as a member of the board of directors of the Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Foundation. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the department, with the advice of the Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Foundation, may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

(3) Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2020, 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.

(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 Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Foundation.

(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.

(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 22. 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 Department of Revenue 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 Department of Revenue that at least one hundred (100) of such license tags or plates will be purchased and must deposit with the department 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, for any distinctive license tag or plate authorized by the Legislature from and after July 1, 2002, through June 30, 2007, the requirements of this subsection must be met before the Department of Revenue 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 Department of Revenue that at least two hundred (200) of such license tags or plates will be purchased and must deposit with the department 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) Except as otherwise provided in this section, Section 27-19-56.7, Section 27-19-56.56, Section 27-19-56.59, Section 27-19-56.85 or Section 27-19-56.94, for any distinctive license tag or plate authorized or reauthorized by the Legislature from and after July 1, 2007, the following requirements must be met before the Department of Revenue may prepare or issue any such license tag or plate:

(a) The organization or other entity for which the Legislature authorized the distinctive license tag or plate must submit proof satisfactory to the Department of Revenue that at least three hundred (300) of such license tags or plates will be purchased and must deposit with the department an amount necessary to purchase three hundred (300) of such license tags or plates.

(b) The organization or other entity for which the Legislature authorized the distinctive license tag or plate must satisfy the requirements of paragraph (a) of this subsection (3) 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. This paragraph (b) shall not apply to distinctive tags or plates issued under Section 27-19-56.154.

(4) Any distinctive license tag authorized under Sections 27-19-56.186, 27-19-56.203 and 27-19-56.315 must meet the requirements of this subsection before the Department of Revenue 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 Department of Revenue that at least one hundred (100) of such license tags or plates will be purchased and must deposit with the department 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 (4) 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.

(5) The distinctive license tags authorized under Section 27-19-56.108 must meet the requirements of this subsection before the Department of Revenue 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 Department of Revenue that at least two hundred (200) of such license tags or plates will be purchased and must deposit with the department an amount necessary to purchase two hundred (200) of such license tags or plates.

(6) If the organization or other entity for which the Legislature authorized the distinctive license tag or plate meets the requirements of subsection (1), (2), (3), (4) or (5) of this section, the Department of Revenue shall prepare and issue the distinctive license tag or plate.

(7) The Department of Revenue 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.

(8) If a distinctive or special license tag or plate is discontinued under subsection (7) 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 Department of Revenue. However, the Department of Revenue 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.

(9) 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, 27-19-56.40, 27-19-56.62, 27-19-56.69, 27-19-56.79, 27-19-56.90, 27-19-56.125, 27-19-56.127, 27-19-56.137, 27-19-56.140, 27-19-56.162, 27-19-56.187, 27-19-56.199, 27-19-56.205, 27-19-56.239, 27-19-56.292, 27-19-56.318, 27-19-56.379, 27-19-56.425, 27-19-56.466, 27-19-56.489, 27-19-56.522(1)(a) * * *or, 27-19-56.524 or Section 8 of this act; or

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

SECTION 23. Section 27-19-56.3, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-56.3. (1) (a) Any owner of a motor vehicle who is an elected member of the Mississippi House of Representatives or Mississippi Senate, upon complying with the motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles, 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. Each distinctive license tag issued under this section shall have displayed thereon the Great Seal of the State of Mississippi and the word "HOUSE" or "SENATE," as appropriate, and, in addition thereto, such numbers or letters, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag. The State Tax Commission shall determine the color and design of each distinctive license tag issued under this section and whether or not a county name shall be required to be displayed on the tag.

(b) Any owner of a motor vehicle who served at least two (2) complete four (4) year terms as an elected member of the Mississippi House of Representatives or Mississippi Senate, and who is receiving retirement compensation under the Public Employees' Retirement System created under Section 25-11-101, and/or the Supplemental Legislative Retirement Plan created under Section 25-11-301, upon complying with the motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles, 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. Each distinctive license tag issued under this section shall have displayed thereon the Great Seal of the State of Mississippi and the words "RETIRED HOUSE" or "RETIRED SENATE," as appropriate, and, in addition thereto, such numbers or letters, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag. The State Tax Commission shall determine the color and design of each distinctive license tag issued under this section and whether or not a county name shall be required to be displayed on the 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 three percent (3%) 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 Fifty Dollars ($50.00) 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, or if the owner retires or resigns from or otherwise vacates his membership in the Legislature, he must surrender the tag to the local county tax collector.

(4) The State Tax Commission shall deposit all fees collected under this section 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 distinctive license tags. The State Treasurer shall distribute an amount equal to Seven Dollars ($7.00) of the additional fees collected for each such distinctive license tag issued under this section to the State General Fund, and the remainder of such additional fees collected shall be distributed by the State Treasurer to the credit of the special fund created in Section 7-9-70.

(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) (a) In addition to any other provisions of this section, any person eligible for a distinctive license tag under this section may, regardless of whether the person obtains such a license tag, obtain a replica tag of the distinctive license tag authorized in this section. A replica tag may not be displayed on any motor vehicle and may not be used for any motor vehicle license tag purpose. A person may obtain a replica tag from the Department of Revenue and the additional fee for the tag shall be the cost of the replica tag and any applicable shipping or delivery charge or other related charge incurred by the department.

(b) In addition to any other provisions of this section, any owner of a motor vehicle who served at least six (6) years as an elected member of the Mississippi House of Representatives or Mississippi Senate may obtain a replica tag of the distinctive license tag authorized in subsection (1)(a) of this section for which the person would be eligible to obtain if the person were serving as an elected member of the Mississippi House of Representatives or Mississippi Senate. A replica tag may not be displayed on any motor vehicle and may not be used for any motor vehicle license tag purpose. A person may obtain a replica tag from the Department of Revenue and the additional fee for the tag shall be the cost of the replica tag and any applicable shipping or delivery charge or other related charge incurred by the department.

SECTION 24. Section 1 and 2 of this act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and remainder of this act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2023.