MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2003 Regular Session

To: Ways and Means

By: Representative Moak, Rotenberry, Moss, Smith (35th)

House Bill 940

(As Passed the House)

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS TO MEMBERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS IN SUPPORT OF THE MISSISSIPPI FORESTRY ASSOCIATION; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS IN SUPPORT OF THE PREVENTION OF CHILD ABUSE; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS FOR PERSONS LICENSED BY THE STATE BOARD OF FUNERAL SERVICE; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS IN SUPPORT OF THE MISSISSIPPI NURSES FOUNDATION; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS IN SUPPORT OF THE MISSISSIPPI JUNIOR GOLF FOUNDATION; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS IN SUPPORT OF THE MISSISSIPPI ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCIES; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.63, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS FOR IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS AND CAREGIVERS OF PERSONS WHO ARE DIABETICS; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.69, TO REVISE THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH MONIES IN THE SPECIAL FUND CREATED UNDER SUCH SECTION MAY BE USED TO INCLUDE REPAIR AND RENOVATION OF THE OLD CAPITOL, GOVERNOR'S MANSION AND WAR MEMORIAL BUILDING; TO AMEND SECTIONS 27-19-56.64, 27-19-56.65 AND 27-19-56.66, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE PROCEEDS COLLECTED FROM THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS TO SUPPORTERS OF THE PETAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, DESOTO COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE SIMPSON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT, TO PROVIDE THAT A PORTION OF SUCH PROCEEDS SHALL BE DEPOSITED INTO THE MISSISSIPPI PUBLIC EDUCATION SUPPORT FUND; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.22, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE DISTRIBUTION OF PROCEEDS COLLECTED FROM THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS TO MEMBERS OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY AND ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.41, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE PROCEEDS COLLECTED FROM THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS TO MEMBERS OF SOCIETIES SUCH AS ACADEMIC, PROFESSIONAL, HONORARY, MASONIC OR SO-CALLED GREEK LETTER FRATERNITIES OR SORORITIES, OR SIMILAR ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE IN GOOD STANDING AT ANY OF THE EIGHT STATE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.58, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE DISTRIBUTION OF PROCEEDS COLLECTED FROM THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS TO MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS OF DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.67, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE DISTRIBUTION OF PROCEEDS COLLECTED FROM THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS TO MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS OF OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY; TO IMPOSE AN ADDITIONAL FEE FOR DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS AUTHORIZED IN THIS ACT; TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF SUCH ADDITIONAL FEES; TO AUTHORIZE AN ADDITIONAL FEE FOR DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS AUTHORIZED UNDER THIS ACT AND OTHER STATE LAWS; TO PROVIDE THAT THE PROCEEDS OF SUCH ADDITIONAL FEE SHALL BE DEPOSITED INTO THE SPECIAL FUND CREATED UNDER SECTION 27-19-56.69, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO BE USED FOR REPAIR AND RENOVATION OF THE NEW CAPITOL, OLD CAPITOL, GOVERNOR'S MANSION AND WAR MEMORIAL BUILDING; TO PROVIDE THAT FEES COLLECTED FROM THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE OR SPECIAL LICENSE TAGS WHICH ARE DESIGNATED FOR DEPOSIT INTO THE MISSISSIPPI FIRE FIGHTER'S MEMORIAL BURN CENTER FUND SHALL BE PLACED INTO AN INTEREST BEARING ESCROW ACCOUNT UNTIL THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI REQUESTS THE STATE TAX COMMISSION TO RELEASE SUCH FUNDS; TO PROVIDE THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SHALL NOT REQUEST THE RELEASE OF SUCH FUNDS UNTIL HE IS SATISFIED THAT THERE IS PROPER ACCOUNTABILITY FOR THE EXPENDITURE OF THE FUNDS BY MISSISSIPPI FIRE FIGHTER'S MEMORIAL BURN CENTER; TO PROVIDE THAT THE MISSISSIPPI FIRE FIGHTER'S MEMORIAL BURN CENTER SHALL FILE AN ANNUAL REPORT WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE SENATE AND THE CLERK OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES NOT LATER THAN JANUARY 10 OF EACH YEAR, DESCRIBING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS RECEIVED BY THE BURN CENTER FROM FEES COLLECTED FROM THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE OR SPECIAL LICENSE TAGS; TO AMEND SECTIONS 27-19-56.10 AND 49-15-17, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE DISPOSITION OF THE PROCEEDS COLLECTED FROM THE ISSUANCE OF CERTAIN DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS DISPLAYING EMBLEMS DESIGNED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE, FISHERIES AND PARKS; 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 member of the Mississippi Association of Realtors, upon complying with the motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles, and upon payment of the road and bridge privilege taxes, ad valorem taxes and registration fees as prescribed by law for private carriers of passengers, pickup trucks and other noncommercial motor vehicles, and upon payment of an additional annual fee in the amount provided in subsection (3), shall be issued a special license tag which displays the blue and gold REALTOR trademark logo on the left side of the license tag. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of a color and design as the State Tax Commission, with the advice of the Mississippi Association of Realtors, may prescribe, and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SECTION 2. (1) Any owner of a motor vehicle, who is a resident of this state, upon complying with the motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles, and upon payment of the road and bridge privilege taxes, ad valorem taxes and registration fees as prescribed by law for private carriers of passengers, pickup trucks and other noncommercial motor vehicles, and upon payment of an additional annual fee in the amount provided in subsection (3), shall be issued a special license tag for each motor vehicle registered in his name identifying such person as a supporter of the Mississippi Forestry Association. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the State Tax Commission, with the advice of the Mississippi Forestry Association, may prescribe, and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SECTION 3. (1) 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 support for the prevention of child abuse. 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 "Stop Child Abuse" 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.

(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.

(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 which shall consist of monies required to be deposited therein under subsection (4) of this section. Monies in the special fund, upon legislative appropriation, shall be expended by the Mississippi Department of Human Services to help defray the operational expenses of the Division of Family and Children's Services at the county level. 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.

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), shall be issued a special license tag for each motor vehicle registered in his name identifying such person as licensed by the State Board of Funeral Service. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the State Tax Commission, with the advice of the State Board of Funeral Service 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 applicant's license by the State Board of Funeral Service shall be presented at that time as proof of licensure by the board. 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.

(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 State General 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.

(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.

SECTION 5. (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 issued a special license tag for each motor vehicle registered in his name identifying such person as a supporter of the Mississippi Nurses Foundation. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the State Tax Commission, with the advice of the Mississippi Nurses Association, may prescribe, and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

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

(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.

SECTION 6. (1) Any owner of a motor vehicle, who is a resident of this state, upon complying with the motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles, and upon payment of the road and bridge privilege taxes, ad valorem taxes and registration fees as prescribed by law for private carriers of passengers, pickup trucks and other noncommercial motor vehicles, and upon payment of an additional annual fee in the amount provided in subsection (3), shall be issued a special license tag for each motor vehicle registered in his name identifying such person as a supporter of the Mississippi Junior Golf Foundation. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the State Tax Commission, with the advice of the Mississippi Golf 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 disbursed to the Mississippi Junior Golf 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.

(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.

SECTION 7. (1) Any owner of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon payment of the road and bridge privilege taxes, ad valorem taxes and registration fees as prescribed by law for private carriers of passengers, pickup trucks and other noncommercial motor vehicles, and upon payment of an additional fee in the amount provided in subsection (3) of this section, shall be issued a distinctive license tag for each motor vehicle registered in his name identifying such person as a supporter of the Mississippi Association of Community Action Agencies. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the State Tax Commission, with the advice of the Mississippi Association of Community Action Agencies, 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.

(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 Association of Community Action Agencies.

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

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

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

SECTION 8. Section 27-19-56.63, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-56.63. (1) Upon application by any legal resident of the State of Mississippi who is diabetic or who is an immediate family member or caregiver of a person who is diabetic, the State Tax Commission shall prepare and issue through the county tax collectors a special license plate for not more than one (1) vehicle that is registered in the applicant's name. The initial application shall be accompanied by the certification of a licensed physician that the applicant (a) meets the definition of a diabetic as set forth in subsection (2) of this section, or (b) is an immediate family member or caregiver of a person who meets the definition of a diabetic as set forth in subsection (2) of this section. For the purposes of this section, the term "immediate family member" means the applicant's spouse, father or mother, or a brother, sister or child of the applicant. Except as otherwise provided, an applicant for the special license plate 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 the vehicle. The special license plate shall be of such color and design as the State Tax Commission may prescribe and shall consist of such letters, numbers or both as may be necessary to distinguish each license plate.

(2) For the purpose of this section, the term "diabetic" means a person who is affected with diabetes, including, Type I, Type II, gestational or any secondary form of diabetes regardless of mode of treatment, age of onset or duration of the disease.

(3) 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 (4) 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.

(4) Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2003, any person other than a person who is diabetic applying for a distinctive tag under this section shall pay an additional fee in the amount of Thirty Dollars ($30.00) for each distinctive license tag applied for under this section, which shall be in addition to all other taxes and fees. The additional fee shall be for a period of time to run concurrent with the vehicle's established license tag year. The additional fee is due and payable at the time the original application is made for distinctive license tags under this section and thereafter annually at the time of renewal registration as long as the owner retains the distinctive license tag.

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

(a) Twenty-four Dollars ($24.00) of each additional fee collected on special license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the special fund created under Section 27-19-56.69(8).

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

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

SECTION 9. Section 27-19-56.69, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-56.69. (1) The State Tax Commission may enter into agreements for the purchase of distinctive National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing ("NASCAR") theme license tags. The State Tax Commission may enter into any agreement with the supplier of such distinctive license tags, or other entity, necessary to carry out the purposes of this section. The distinctive license tags shall be of such design as the supplier of the tags, with the advice of the State Tax Commission, may prescribe.

(2) 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 each motor vehicle registered in his name a distinctive license tag displaying NASCAR themes.

(3) 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 (5) 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.

(4) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection (4), 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-five Dollars ($35.00) for each distinctive license tag applied for under this section, which shall be in addition to all other taxes and fees. However, for the first one hundred (100) license tags issued displaying a particular NASCAR theme, the State Tax Commission may establish an auction or similar procedure for the purpose of determining the order in which such distinctive license tags are sold and the amount of the additional fee for the distinctive license tags which shall be due at the time the original application is made for such a distinctive license tag, and Thirty-five Dollars ($35.00) thereafter annually at the time of renewal registration. 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.

(5) 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) A portion of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be distributed to the supplier of the license tags according to the terms of any agreement between the State Tax Commission and the supplier of the distinctive license tags.

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

(c) The remainder of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the special fund created in subsection (8) of this section.

(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 proportionately in the same manner as funds from the sale of regular distinctive license tags issued under this section.

(8) There is established in the State Treasury a special fund which shall consist of monies required by law to be deposited therein. Monies in the special fund, upon legislative appropriation, may be expended by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History for the purpose of paying the costs of repair and renovation of the New Capitol, Old Capitol, Governor's Mansion and War Memorial Building. 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.

SECTION 10. Section 27-19-56.64, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-56.64. (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 Petal, Mississippi, School District. The distinctive license tags so issued shall display the words "Petal School District" and shall be of such color and design as the State Tax Commission, with the advice of the Petal Education 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, 2002, any person applying for a distinctive license tag under this section shall pay an additional fee in the amount of Thirty Dollars ($30.00) for each distinctive license tag applied for under this section, which shall be in addition to all other taxes and fees. The additional fee paid shall be for a period of time to run concurrent with the vehicle's established license tag year. The additional fee is due and payable at the time the original application is made for a distinctive license tag under this section and thereafter annually at the time of renewal registration as long as the owner retains the distinctive license tag. If the owner does not wish to retain the distinctive license tag, he must surrender it to the local county tax collector.

(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 Mississippi Public Education Support Fund created under Section 37-61-37.

(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 11. Section 27-19-56.65, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-56.65. (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 DeSoto County, Mississippi, School District. The distinctive license tags so issued shall display the words "DeSoto County School District" and shall be of such color and design as the State Tax Commission, with the advice of the DeSoto County, Mississippi, School District, may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

(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 12. Section 27-19-56.66, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-56.66. (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 Simpson County, Mississippi, School District. The distinctive license tags so issued shall display the words "Simpson County School District" and shall be of such color and design as the State Tax Commission, with the advice of the Simpson County, Mississippi, School District, may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

(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 13. Section 27-19-56.22, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-56.22. (1) Any owner of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state and who is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority or Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, 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 of Thirty Dollars ($30.00), shall be issued a distinctive license tag for each motor vehicle registered in his name identifying such person as a member or supporter of such organization. The distinctive license tags so issued shall display the Greek letter of the organization and shall be of such color and design as the State Tax Commission may prescribe, and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

(2) Application for the distinctive license tags authorized by this section shall be made to the county tax collector on forms prescribed by the State Tax Commission. Applicants for an Alpha Phi Alpha distinctive license tag must present either a current or past Alpha Phi Alpha membership card or documentation signed by the president of the local chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha in which the county is located verifying that the applicant is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. The application and the additional fee imposed under subsection (1) 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) The distinctive license tag shall be issued for a one-year period. The additional annual fee shall be due and payable at the time of renewal registration.

(a) Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) of each additional fee collected on the distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be distributed to the state chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority or Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, as appropriate. However, upon the request of a local chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the state chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity shall distribute to the local chapter an amount equal to the fees generated by the purchase of the distinctive license tags by members of the local chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and by those members who purchased distinctive license tags by documentation signed by the president of the local chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity in which the county is located. (b) One Dollar ($1.00) of each additional fee collected on the distinctive license tags shall be deposited into the Mississippi Fire Fighter's Memorial Burn Center Fund created pursuant to Section 7-9-70.

(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) 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.

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

SECTION 14. Section 27-19-56.41, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-56.41. (1) Any owner of a motor vehicle who is a member of any society such as academic, professional, honorary, Masonic, or so-called Greek letter fraternities or sororities, or similar organization whether of a local or connectional character that is established under Section 37-111-1 et seq., 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 such a society or organization. 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.

(a) Twenty-four Dollars ($24.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be to the state chapter of the organization for which a distinctive license tag was issued to a member of such organization.

(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 15. Section 27-19-56.58, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-56.58. (1) Any owner of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state and who is a member or supporter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, 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 or supporter of such organization. The distinctive license tags so issued shall display the Greek letters of the organization, 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.

(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 State Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

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

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

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

SECTION 16. Section 27-19-56.67, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-56.67. (1) Any owner of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state and who is a member or supporter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, 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 or supporter of such organization. The distinctive license tags so issued shall display the Greek letters of the organization, 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.

(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 State Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

(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 17. (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, fees collected from the issuance of distinctive or special license tags under this chapter which are designated for deposit into the Mississippi Fire Fighter's Memorial Burn Center Fund created pursuant to Section 7-9-70, shall be placed into an interest bearing escrow account until the Attorney General requests the State Tax Commission to release such funds. The Attorney General shall not request the release of such funds until he is satisfied that there is proper accountability for the expenditure of the funds by Mississippi Fire Fighter's Memorial Burn Center.

(2) The Mississippi Fire Fighter's Memorial Burn Center shall file an annual report with the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives not later than January 10 of each year, describing the expenditure of funds received by the burn center from fees collected from the issuance of distinctive or special license tags under this chapter.

SECTION 18. (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, beginning with any registration year commencing on or after January 1, 2004, an additional fee of One Dollar ($1.00) is imposed for any distinctive or special license tag or plate authorized under this chapter regardless of whether such a distinctive or special license tag or plate was authorized before or after the effective date of this act. The proceeds collected from the additional fee imposed under this section shall be deposited into the special fund created under Section 27-19-56.69(8).

(2) The fee imposed under this section shall be in addition to any other fee imposed under this chapter for a distinctive or special license tag or plate.

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

(a) Which are issued under Sections 27-19-46, 27-19-51, 27-19-53, 27-19-54, 27-19-56.5, 27-19-56.12, 27-19-56.13, 27-19-56.33, 27-19-56.36, 27-19-56.38, 27-19-56.42, 27-19-56.48, 27-19-56.49, 27-19-56.50, 27-19-56.51, or 27-19-56.62; or

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

SECTION 19. Section 27-19-56.10, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-56.10. (1) 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 of Thirty Dollars ($30.00), shall be issued a special license tag which displays an emblem designed by the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.

(2) The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks shall design emblems which shall be displayed on the special license tag. The emblem shall be affixed during the production of the license tag.

(3) Application for the special license tags shall be made to the county tax collector on forms prescribed by the State Tax Commission. The application and the additional fee, less five percent (5%) 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.

(4) The special license tag shall be issued for a one-year period. The additional annual fee shall be due and payable at the time of renewal registration.

(5) The State Tax Commission shall deposit all fees into the State Treasury on the day received. 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 Dollars ($20.00) of each additional fee collected on special license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the Wildlife Heritage Fund created pursuant to Section 49-5-77. However, such additional fees collected from the issuance of distinctive license tags from and after July 1, 2003, displaying an emblem depicting any salt water species shall be deposited into the Coastal Preserve Account in the Seafood Fund created pursuant to Section 49-15-17.

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

(c) The remainder of each such additional fee shall be deposited to the credit of the State Highway Fund to be expended solely for the repair, maintenance, construction or reconstruction of highways.

SECTION 20. Section 49-15-17, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

49-15-17. (1) (a) All monies received or obtained by the commission under the provisions of this chapter shall be paid over by the commission to the State Treasurer and shall be deposited into the fund known as the "Seafood Fund." All revenues collected through the department, to include, but not limited to, commercial saltwater licenses and taxes, permits, fines and penalties, and confiscated catches, shall be deposited into the department operating account (Seafood Fund) and expended for the operation of the department, as authorized by the Legislature.

(b) There is established a special account to be known as the "Artificial Reef Program Account" within the seafood fund. Any funds received from any public or private source for the purpose of promoting, constructing, monitoring or maintaining artificial reefs in the marine waters of the state or in federal waters adjacent to the marine waters of the state shall be credited to the account. Any unexpended funds remaining in the account at the end of the fiscal year shall not lapse into the seafood fund, but shall remain in the account. The department may expend any funds in the account, subject to appropriation by the Legislature, to accomplish the purpose of the account.

(c) There is established a special account to be known as the "Coastal Preserve Account" within the seafood fund. Any funds received from any public or private source for the purpose of management, improvement and acquisition of coastal preserves in the state and money required to be deposited pursuant to Sections 27-19-56.10 and 27-19-56.27, shall be credited to the account. Any unexpended funds remaining in the account at the end of the fiscal year shall not lapse into the seafood fund, but shall remain in the account. The department may expend any funds in the account, subject to appropriation by the Legislature, for the management, improvement and acquisition of coastal preserves.

(2) The fund shall be treated as a special trust fund and interest earned on the principal shall be credited to the fund.

(3) The secretary of the commission shall keep accurate reports of monies handled as a part of the permanent records of the commission, and the State Treasurer shall furnish the secretary of the commission such forms as may be needed, and the secretary shall account for such forms in his reports to the treasurer.

SECTION 21. Section 17 of this act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage. The remainder of this act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2003.