MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2003 Regular Session

To: Ways and Means

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

House Bill 940

(As Sent to Governor)

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 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; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS TO MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY SPECIAL FORCES; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-44, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO EXEMPT SUCH LICENSE TAG FROM THE REQUIREMENT THAT A CERTAIN NUMBER OF DISTINCTIVE TAGS MUST BE PURCHASED BEFORE SUCH TAGS MAY BE ISSUED; TO AUTHORIZE THE STATE TAX COMMISSION TO PREPARE AND ISSUE DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS FOR CONSTABLES IF 100 OF SUCH TAGS WILL BE PURCHASED; TO AUTHORIZE THE STATE TAX COMMISSION TO PREPARE AND ISSUE DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS AUTHORIZED FOR RETIRED MEMBERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI HIGHWAY SAFETY PATROL IF 100 OF SUCH TAGS WILL BE PURCHASED; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS FOR SUPPORTERS OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES WHO ARE CLASSIFIED AS MISSING IN ACTION OR PERSONS WHO WERE PRISONERS OF WAR WHILE SERVING IN THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES; TO AMEND SECTION 55-15-59, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT AFTER COMPLETION OF THE MISSISSIPPI VETERANS MONUMENT, MONEY IN THE MISSISSIPPI VETERANS MONUMENT TRUST FUND SHALL BE UTILIZED BY THE MISSISSIPPI WAR VETERANS MEMORIAL COMMISSION FOR MAINTENANCE OF THE VETERANS MONUMENT AND MEMORIALS; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS FOR SUPPORTERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI LOGGERS ASSOCIATION, INC.; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS FOR SUPPORTERS OF THE SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS FOR SUPPORTERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI SCUBA DIVING ASSOCIATION, INC.; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS FOR SUPPORTERS OF MISSISSIPPI BLOOD SERVICES, INC.; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE LICENSE PLATES FOR MISSISSIPPIANS WHO ARE HONORABLY DISCHARGED VETERANS WHO SERVED IN THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES DURING THE VIETNAM CONFLICT AND WERE AWARDED A VIETNAM SERVICE RIBBON; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.55, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE MANNER IN WHICH THE FEE FOR THE DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAG AUTHORIZED FOR RETIRED MEMBERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI HIGHWAY SAFETY PATROL IS DISTRIBUTED; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.71, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT A PORTION OF THE FEE FOR THE DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAG FOR SUPPORTERS OF MOTHERS AGAINST DRUNK DRIVING SHALL BE DISBURSED TO THE MISSISSIPPI OFFICE OF MOTHERS AGAINST DRUNK DRIVING; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS FOR SUPPORTERS OF CAMPUS LIFE; TO AMEND SECTIONS 27-19-56.5 AND 27-51-41, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT THE UNREMARRIED SURVIVING SPOUSE OF A PURPLE HEART MEDAL RECIPIENT SHALL BE ENTITLED TO EXEMPTION FROM MOTOR VEHICLE AD VALOREM TAXES, PRIVILEGE TAXES AND OTHER TAXES AND FEES FOR ONE PURPLE HEART DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAG; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS FOR SUPPORTERS OF ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS FOR FRIENDS OF THE MED; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS FOR SUPPORTERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI ARTS COMMISSION; TO IMPOSE AN ADDITIONAL FEE FOR DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS AUTHORIZED UNDER THIS ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.70, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE DISTRIBUTION OF PROCEEDS COLLECTED FROM THE ISSUANCE OF CHOOSE LIFE DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS; TO PROVIDE THAT ANY ENTITY RECEIVING FUNDS THAT ARE DERIVED FROM FEES COLLECTED FROM THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE OR SPECIAL LICENSE TAGS SHALL NOT USE SUCH FUNDS TO ATTEMPT TO INFLUENCE ANY LEGISLATION OR ANY POLITICAL CAMPAIGN ON BEHALF OF OR IN OPPOSITION TO ANY CANDIDATE FOR PUBLIC OFFICE; TO IMPOSE AN ADDITIONAL FEE FOR DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS AUTHORIZED IN THIS ACT; TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF SUCH ADDITIONAL FEES; 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 distributed to the Petal Education 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 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.

(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 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) (i) Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) of each additional fee collected on the distinctive license tags issued to members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority pursuant to this section shall be distributed to the Coleman, Alexander, Possner Foundation.

(ii) Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) of each additional fee collected on the distinctive license tags issued to members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity pursuant to this section shall be distributed to Alpha Foundation, Inc., of Jackson, MS. However, upon the request of a local chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Alpha Foundation, Inc., of Jackson, MS, 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.

(iii) It is the intent of the Legislature that fees paid to the Coleman, Alexander, Possner Foundation, which fees were collected on distinctive license tags issued to members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity before the effective date of House Bill No. 940, 2003 Regular Session, shall be paid by the Coleman, Alexander, Possner Foundation to Alpha Foundation, Inc., of Jackson, MS.

(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 distributed 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, 27-19-56.62, Section 21 of House Bill No. 940, 2003 Regular Session, or Section 29 of House Bill No. 940, 2003 Regular Session; 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 saltwater 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. (1) In recognition of the patriotic services rendered the United States, Mississippi and the citizens thereof, any resident of the state who is on active duty with the United States Army Special Forces, upon payment of the road and bridge privilege taxes, ad valorem taxes and registration fees as prescribed by law for private carriers of passengers, pickup trucks and other noncommercial motor vehicles, and upon payment of an additional fee in the amount provided in subsection (3) of this section, shall be issued a distinctive motor vehicle license plate or tag identifying him as an active duty member of the United States Army Special Forces. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the State Tax Commission may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

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

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

(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 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 State Tax Commission may prepare or issue any such license tag or plate. The organization or other entity for which the Legislature authorized the distinctive license tag or plate must submit proof satisfactory to the State Tax Commission that at least one hundred (100) of such license tags or plates will be purchased and must deposit with the commission an amount necessary to purchase one hundred (100) of such license tags or plates. The organization or other entity for which the Legislature authorized the distinctive license tag or plate must satisfy the requirements of this subsection (1) within two (2) years after the effective date of the law authorizing the license tag or plate in order to permit the license tag or plate to be prepared and issued.

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

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

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

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

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

(a) Which are issued under Section 27-19-45, 27-19-46, 27-19-47.1, 27-19-47.2, 27-19-48, 27-19-49, 27-19-53, 27-19-55, 27-19-56, 27-19-56.1, 27-19-56.2, 27-19-56.3, 27-19-56.5, 27-19-56.6, 27-19-56.9, 27-19-56.11, 27-19-56.12,27-19-56.13, * * * 27-19-56.62 * * *, 27-19-56.69 or Section 21 of House Bill No. 940, 2003 Regular Session; or

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

SECTION 23. (1) Any owner of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon payment of the road and bridge privilege taxes, ad valorem taxes and registration fees as prescribed by law for private carriers of passengers, pickup trucks and other noncommercial motor vehicles, and upon payment of an additional fee in the amount provided in subsection (3) of this section, shall be issued a distinctive license tag for each motor vehicle registered in his name identifying such person as a supporter of members of the United States Armed Forces who are classified as missing in action or persons who were prisoners of war while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the State Tax Commission, with the advice of the American Ex-POW's, Department of Mississippi, may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SECTION 24. Section 55-15-59, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

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

SECTION 25. (1) Any owner of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon payment of the road and bridge privilege taxes, ad valorem taxes and registration fees as prescribed by law for private carriers of passengers, pickup trucks and other noncommercial motor vehicles, and upon payment of an additional fee in the amount provided in subsection (3) of this section, shall be issued a distinctive license tag for each motor vehicle registered in his name identifying such person as a supporter of the Mississippi Loggers Association, Inc. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the State Tax Commission, with the advice of the Mississippi Loggers Association, Inc., may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SECTION 28. (1) Any owner of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon payment of the road and bridge privilege taxes, ad valorem taxes and registration fees as prescribed by law for private carriers of passengers, pickup trucks and other noncommercial motor vehicles, and upon payment of an additional fee in the amount provided in subsection (3) of this section, shall be issued a distinctive license tag for each motor vehicle registered in his name identifying such person as a supporter of Mississippi Blood Services, Inc. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the State Tax Commission, with the advice of Mississippi Blood Services, Inc., may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

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

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

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

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

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

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

SECTION 30. Section 27-19-56.55, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

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

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

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

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

(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 31. Section 27-19-56.71, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-56.71. (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 Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the State Tax Commission, with the advice of the Mississippi State Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, 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 State Office of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

(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.

SECTION 32. (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 Campus Life. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the State Tax Commission, with the advice of Campus Life, 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 Youth for Christ, 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.

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

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

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

SECTION 34. Section 27-51-41, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-51-41. (1) The exemptions from the provisions of this chapter shall be confined to those persons or property exempted by this chapter or by the provisions of the Constitution of the United States or the State of Mississippi. No exemption as now provided by any other statute shall be valid as against the tax levied by this chapter. Any subsequent exemption from the tax levied hereunder shall be provided by amendment to this section which shall be inserted in the bill at length.

(2) The following shall be exempt from ad valorem taxation:

(a) All motor vehicles, as defined in this chapter, and including motor-propelled farm implements and vehicles, while in the hands of bona fide dealers as merchandise and which are not being operated upon the highways of this state.

(b) All motor vehicles belonging to the federal government or the State of Mississippi or any agencies or instrumentalities thereof.

(d) All motor vehicles owned by any fire protection district incorporated in accordance with Sections 19-5-151 through 19-5-207 or by any fire protection grading district incorporated in accordance with Sections 19-5-215 through 19-5-241.

(e) All motor vehicles owned by units of the Mississippi National Guard.

(f) All motor vehicles which are exempted from highway privilege taxes under Section 27-19-1 et seq.

(g) All motor vehicles operated in this state as common and contract carriers of property, private commercial carriers of property, private carriers of property and buses, all of which have a gross weight in excess of ten thousand (10,000) pounds.

(h) Antique automobiles as defined in Section 27-19-47, and antique pickup trucks as provided for under Section 27-19-47.2, Mississippi Code of 1972.

(i) Street rods as defined in Section 27-19-56.6.

(j) Motor vehicles owned by disabled American veterans, or by spouses of deceased disabled American veterans, in accordance with Section 27-19-53.

(k) One (1) motor vehicle owned by the unremarried surviving spouse of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while on active duty, is killed or dies and one (1) motor vehicle owned by the unremarried surviving spouse of a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States or of the National Guard who, while on active duty for training, is killed or dies.

(l) Motor vehicles owned by recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor or by former prisoners of war, or by spouses of such deceased persons, in accordance with Section 27-19-54.

(m) (i) One (1) private carrier of passengers, as defined in Section 27-19-3, owned by any religious society, ecclesiastical body or any congregation thereofwhich is used exclusively for such society and not for profit.

(ii) All motor vehicles owned by any such religious society or any educational institution having a seating capacity greater than seven (7) passengers and used exclusively for transporting passengers for religious or educational purposes and not for profit.

(n) All motor vehicles primarily used as rentals under rental agreements with a term of not more than thirty (30) continuous days each and under the control of persons who are engaged in the business of renting such motor vehicles and who are subject to the tax under Section 27-65-231.

(o) Antique motorcycles as defined in Section 27-19-47.1.

(p) One (1) motor vehicle owned by a recipient of the Purple Heart, and one (1) motor vehicle owned by the unremarried surviving spouse of a recipient of the Purple Heart, as provided in Section 27-19-56.5.

(q) Motor vehicles that are eligible to display an authentic historical license plate as provided for in Section 27-19-56.11.

(3) Any claim for tax exemption by authority of the above-mentioned code sections or by any other legal authority shall be set out in the application for the road and bridge privilege license, and the specific legal authority for such tax exemption claim shall be cited in said application, and such authority cited shall be shown by the tax collector on the tax receipt as his authority for not collecting such ad valorem taxes, and the tax collector shall carry forward such information in his tax collection reports.

(4) Any motor vehicle driven over the highways of this state to the extent that the owner of such motor vehicle is required to purchase a road and bridge privilege license in this state, yet the legal situs of such motor vehicle is located in another state, shall be exempt from ad valorem taxes authorized by this chapter.

(5) If a taxpayer shall sell, trade or otherwise dispose of a vehicle on which the ad valorem and road and bridge privilege taxes have been paid in any county in the state, he shall remove the license plate from the vehicle. Such license plate must be surrendered to the issuing authority with the corresponding tax receipt, if required, and credit shall be allowed for the taxes paid for the remaining tax year on like privilege or ad valorem taxes due on another vehicle owned by the seller or transferor or by the seller's or transferor's spouse or dependent child. If the seller or transferor does not elect to receive such credit at the time the license plate is surrendered, the issuing authority shall issue a certificate of credit to the seller or transferor, or to the seller's or transferor's spouse or dependent child, or to any other person, business or corporation, at the direction of the seller or transferor, for the remaining unexpired taxes prorated from the first day of the month following the month in which the license plate is surrendered. The total of such credit may be used by the person or entity to whom the certificate of credit is issued, regardless of the relative amounts attributed to privilege taxes or to county, school or municipal ad valorem taxes. Any credit allowed for taxes due or any certificate of credit issued may be applied to like taxes owed in any county by the person to whom the credit is allowed or by the person possessing the certificate of credit. No credit, however, shall be allowed on the charge made for the license plate. Such license plates surrendered to the tax collector shall be retained by him, and in no event shall such license plate be attached to any vehicle after being surrendered to the tax collector, nor shall any license plate be transferred from one (1) vehicle to any other vehicle.

(6) If the person owning a vehicle subject to taxation under the provisions of this chapter does not operate such vehicle on the highways of this state from the date of acquisition or, if previously registered, from the end of the anniversary month of the tag and decals to the date on which he makes application for a current license tag or decals, he shall pay such ad valorem tax for a period of twelve (12) months beginning with the first day of the month in which he applies for a current license tag or decals under Chapter 19, Title 27, Mississippi Code of 1972. The owner shall submit an affidavit with an application attesting to the fact that the vehicle was not operated on the highways of this state from the date of acquisition or, if previously registered, from the end of the anniversary month of the tag and decals to the date on which he makes application for the current license tag or decals.

(7) Any person found violating any of the provisions of this section shall be arrested and tried, and if found guilty shall be fined in an amount double the total amount of taxes involved.

SECTION 35. (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 St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the State Tax Commission, with the advice of the ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 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 ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

(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 36. (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 Friends of the MED, Coahoma County. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the State Tax Commission, with the advice of Friends of the MED, Coahoma County, 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 Friends of the MED, Coahoma County to be used on behalf of citizens of North Mississippi and all of Mississippi to support the Level I Trauma Center of the Regional Medical Center (The MED) in Memphis, Tennessee. (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 37. (1) Any owner of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon payment of the road and bridge privilege taxes, ad valorem taxes and registration fees as prescribed by law for private carriers of passengers, pickup trucks and other noncommercial motor vehicles, and upon payment of an additional fee in the amount provided in subsection (3) of this section, shall be issued a distinctive license tag for any motor vehicle registered in his name identifying such person as a supporter of the Mississippi Arts Commission. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the State Tax Commission, with the advice of the Mississippi Arts Commission, 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 43 of this act.

(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, may be expended by the Mississippi Arts Commission for miscellaneous grants and programs administered by the Mississippi Arts Commission. 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 38. 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 (4) 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, with the advice of the Choose Life Advisory Committee, may prescribe. The words "Choose Life" shall be centered at the bottom of the license tag. The State Tax Commission shall prescribe such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.(2) Application for the distinctive license tags authorized by this section shall be made to the county tax collector on forms prescribed by the State Tax Commission. The application and the additional fee imposed under subsection (4) 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 disbursed to the Choose Life Advisory Committee 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 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.

(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 39. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, any entity receiving funds that are derived from fees collected from the issuance of distinctive or special license tags under this chapter shall not use such funds to attempt to influence any legislation or any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.

SECTION 40. 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.