MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2011 Regular Session

To: Finance

By: Senator(s) Kirby, Michel, Dearing

Senate Bill 2449

(As Passed the Senate)

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF A DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAG FOR SUPPORTERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI VETERINARY ASSOCIATION; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF A DISTINCTIVE DYSLEXIA AWARENESS MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAG; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF A DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAG WITH THE WORD "DON'T TREAD ON ME" IMPRINTED THEREON; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF A DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAG FOR SUPPORTERS OF JACKSON ACADEMY; TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAG FOR SUPPORTERS OF LE BONHEUR CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS TO SUPPORTERS OF THE ABBIE ROGERS CIVITAN CAMP; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF A DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAG FOR SUPPORTERS OF THE ANIMAL RESCUE LEAGUE OF LAUREL; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF A DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAG FOR SUPPORTERS OF THE FARM FAMILIES OF MISSISSIPPI; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF A DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAG FOR SUPPORTERS OF BROOKHAVEN ACADEMY; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF A DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAG HONORING RONALD REAGAN, FORTIETH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, AND HIS MANY OUTSTANDING ACCOMPLISHMENTS; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF A DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAG FOR SUPPORTERS OF JACKSON PREPARATORY SCHOOL; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF A DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAG WITH THE WORDS "WE LOVE LIFE" IMPRINTED THEREON; TO PRESCRIBE AN ADDITIONAL FEE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH TAGS; TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF SUCH FEES; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF A SPECIAL LICENSE TAG FOR TRAILERS PRIMARILY DESIGNED FOR THE TRANSPORT OF HORSES TO SUPPORTERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI STATE EQUINE ASSOCIATION; TO PRESCRIBE AN ADDITIONAL FEE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH TAGS; TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE ADDITIONAL FEES COLLECTED; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-44, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS ISSUED FOR SCHOOL DISTRICTS UNDER SECTION 27-19-56.154 ARE EXEMPT FROM THE TIME LIMIT FOR SUBMITTING PROOF THAT AT LEAST 300 OF SUCH LICENSE TAGS OR PLATES WILL BE PURCHASED AND DEPOSIT WITH THE DEPARTMENT AN AMOUNT NECESSARY TO PURCHASE 300 OF SUCH LICENSE TAGS OR PLATES; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.154, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, IN CONFORMITY THERETO; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.108, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REAUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS TO SUPPORTERS OF ROTARY INTERNATIONAL; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.133, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAG TO SUPPORTERS OF THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS RATHER THAN SUPPORTERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI ALLIANCE FOR BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS AND TO REAUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF THE DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAG AUTHORIZED BY THIS SECTION; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.216, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT THE DISTINCTIVE TAG AUTHORIZED UNDER THIS SECTION SHALL BE ISSUED TO SUPPORTERS OF THE LAUREL SCHOOL DISTRICT; TO REVISE THE WORDS REQUIRED TO BE DISPLAYED ON THE TAG; TO PROVIDE THAT THE ADDITIONAL FEE COLLECTED ON THE DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAG ISSUED UNDER THIS SECTION SHALL BE DISTRIBUTED TO THE LAUREL SCHOOL DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-48, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF PERSONALIZED LICENSE TAGS FOR NONCOMMERCIAL TRAILERS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. (1) Any owner of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon payment of the road and bridge privilege taxes, ad valorem taxes and registration fees as prescribed by law for private carriers of passengers, pickup trucks and other noncommercial motor vehicles, and upon payment of an additional fee in the amount provided in subsection (3) of this section, shall be issued a distinctive license tag for any motor vehicle registered in his name identifying such person as a supporter of the Mississippi Veterinary Association. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Mississippi Veterinary 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 Department of Revenue. The application and the additional fee imposed under subsection (3) of this section, less Two Dollars ($2.00) thereof to be retained by the tax collector, shall be remitted to the Department of Revenue on a monthly basis as prescribed by the department. The portion of the additional fee retained by the tax collector shall be deposited into the county general fund.

(3) Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2011, any person applying for a distinctive license tag under this section shall pay an additional fee in the amount of Thirty Dollars ($30.00) for each distinctive license tag applied for under this section, which shall be in addition to all other taxes and fees. The additional fee paid shall be for a period of time to run concurrently with the vehicle's established license tag year. The additional fee is due and payable at the time the original application is made for a distinctive license tag under this section and thereafter annually at the time of renewal registration as long as the owner retains the distinctive license tag. If the owner does not wish to retain the distinctive license tag, he must surrender it to the local county tax collector.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SECTION 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) of this section, shall be issued a special dyslexia awareness license tag for each motor vehicle registered in his name. The tags shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of Dynamic Dyslexia Design, the 3-D School, 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 Department of Revenue. The application and the additional fee imposed under subsection (3) of this section, less Two Dollars ($2.00) to be retained by the tax collector, shall be remitted to the Department of Revenue on a monthly basis as prescribed by the department. The portion of the additional fee retained by the tax collector shall be deposited into the county general fund.

(3) Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2011, 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 Department of Revenue shall deposit all fees into the State Treasury on the day collected. At the end of each month, the Department of Revenue shall certify the total fees collected under this section to the State Treasurer who shall distribute such collections as follows:

(a) Twenty-four Dollars ($24.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be distributed to Dynamic Dyslexia Design, the 3-D School, to be utilized by the school to provide scholarship assistance for students of the school.

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

SECTION 3. (1) Any owner of a motor vehicle, who is a resident of this state, upon 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 with the words "DON'T TREAD ON ME" imprinted thereon. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue may prescribe, shall have imprinted thereon the words "DON'T TREAD ON ME" 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, 2011, 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 disbursed to the Catch-A-Dream 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.

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

(a) Twenty-four Dollars ($24.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be distributed to the Jackson Academy Athletic Booster Club.

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

SECTION 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 Le Bonheur Children's Hospital. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, 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, 2011, 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 disbursed to the Le Bonheur 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.

(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 6. (1) Any owner of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon payment of the road and bridge privilege taxes, ad valorem taxes and registration fees as prescribed by law for private carriers of passengers, pickup trucks and other noncommercial motor vehicles, and upon payment of an additional fee in the amount provided in subsection (3) of this section, shall be issued a distinctive license tag for any motor vehicle registered in his name identifying such person as a supporter of the Abbie Rogers Civitan Camp. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Hattiesburg Civitans, 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 Abbie Rogers Civitan Camp.

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

SECTION 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 any motor vehicle registered in his name identifying such person as a supporter of the Animal Rescue League of Laurel. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Animal Rescue League of Laurel, 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 Animal Rescue League of Laurel.

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

SECTION 8. (1) Any owner of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon payment of the road and bridge privilege taxes, ad valorem taxes and registration fees as prescribed by law for private carriers of passengers, pickup trucks and other noncommercial motor vehicles, and upon payment of an additional fee in the amount provided in subsection (3) of this section, shall be issued a distinctive license tag for any motor vehicle registered in his name identifying such person as a supporter of Farm Families of Mississippi. The distinctive license tags so issued shall depict an agricultural scene and/or logo chosen by the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, and approved by the Department of Revenue, 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 Farm Bureau Foundation and Relief Fund, 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.

SECTION 9. (1) Any owner of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon payment of the road and bridge privilege taxes, ad valorem taxes and registration fees as prescribed by law for private carriers of passengers, pickup trucks and other noncommercial motor vehicles, and upon payment of an additional fee in the amount provided in subsection (3) of this section, shall be issued a distinctive license tag for any motor vehicle registered in his name identifying such person as a supporter of Brookhaven Academy. The distinctive license tags so issued shall display the words "Brookhaven Academy" and shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Principal of Brookhaven Academy, 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 Brookhaven Academy Educational Foundation.

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

SECTION 10. (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 in honor of Ronald Reagan, the fortieth President of the United States, and his many outstanding accomplishments. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Mississippi Federation of Republican Women, 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, 2011, 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 disbursed to the Mississippi Federation of Republican Women.

(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 11. (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 Jackson Preparatory School. The distinctive license tags so issued shall display the words "Jackson Preparatory School" and shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Head of Jackson Preparatory School, may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

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

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

SECTION 12. (1) Any owner of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon payment of the road and bridge privilege taxes, ad valorem taxes and registration fees as prescribed by law for private carriers of passengers, pickup trucks and other noncommercial motor vehicles, and upon payment of an additional fee in the amount provided in subsection (3) of this section, shall be issued a distinctive license tag for each motor vehicle registered in his name, which shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Choose Life Advisory Committee, may prescribe. The words "We Love Life" shall be centered at the bottom of the license tag. The Department of Revenue shall prescribe such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

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

(3) Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2011, any person applying for a distinctive license tag under this section shall pay an additional fee in the amount of Fifty Dollars ($50.00) for each distinctive license tag applied for under this section, which shall be in addition to all other taxes and fees. The additional fee paid shall be for a period of time to run concurrent with the vehicle's established license tag year. The additional fee is due and payable at the time the original application is made for a distinctive license tag under this section and thereafter annually at the time of renewal registration as long as the owner retains the distinctive license tag. If the owner does not wish to retain the distinctive license tag, he must surrender it to the local county tax collector.

(a) Forty-four Dollars ($44.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be disbursed to the Choose Life Advisory Committee 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 13. (1) Any owner of a trailer that is designed primarily for the transport of horses 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 such trailer, 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 such trailer registered in his name identifying such person as a supporter of the Mississippi State Equine Association. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Mississippi State Equine Association, may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

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

(3) Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2011, any person applying for a distinctive license tag under this section shall pay an additional fee in the amount of Thirty Dollars ($30.00) for each distinctive license tag applied for under this section, which shall be in addition to all other taxes and fees. The additional fee paid shall be for a period of time to run concurrently with the trailer's established license tag year. The additional fee is due and payable at the time the original application is made for a distinctive license tag under this section and thereafter annually at the time of renewal registration as long as the owner retains the distinctive license tag. If the owner does not wish to retain the distinctive license tag, he must surrender it to the local county tax collector.

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

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

SECTION 14. Section 27-19-44, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

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

(2) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (1) of this section, for any distinctive license tag or plate authorized by the Legislature from and after July 1, 2002, through June 30, 2007, the requirements of this subsection must be met before the Department of Revenue may prepare or issue any such license tag or plate. The organization or other entity for which the Legislature authorized the distinctive license tag or plate must submit proof satisfactory to the Department of Revenue that at least two hundred (200) of such license tags or plates will be purchased and must deposit with the department an amount necessary to purchase two hundred (200) of such license tags or plates. The organization or other entity for which the Legislature authorized the distinctive license tag or plate must satisfy the requirements of this subsection (2) within three (3) years after the effective date of the law authorizing the license tag or plate in order to permit the license tag or plate to be prepared and issued.

(3) Except as otherwise provided in this section, Section 27-19-56.56, Section 27-19-56.59, Section 27-19-56.94, Section 27-19-56.7 or Section 27-19-56.85, any distinctive license tag or plate authorized or reauthorized by the Legislature from and after July 1, 2007, the following requirements * * * must be met before the Department of Revenue may prepare or issue any such license tag or plate:

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

(b) The organization or other entity for which the Legislature authorized the distinctive license tag or plate must satisfy the requirements of paragraph (a) of this subsection (3) within three (3) years after the effective date of the law authorizing the license tag or plate in order to permit the license tag or plate to be prepared and issued. This paragraph (b) shall not apply to distinctive license tags or plates issued under Section 27-19-56.154.

(4) Any distinctive license tag authorized under Sections 27-19-56.186 and 27-19-56.187 must meet the requirements of this subsection before the Department of Revenue may prepare or issue any such license tag or plate. The organization or other entity for which the Legislature authorized the distinctive license tag or plate must submit proof satisfactory to the Department of Revenue that at least one hundred (100) of such license tags or plates will be purchased and must deposit with the department an amount necessary to purchase one hundred (100) of such license tags or plates. The organization or other entity for which the Legislature authorized the distinctive license tag or plate must satisfy the requirements of this subsection (4) within three (3) years after the effective date of the law authorizing the license tag or plate in order to permit the license tag or plate to be prepared and issued.

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

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

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

(8) 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, 27-19-56.79, 27-19-56.90, 27-19-56.137, 27-19-56.162, 27-19-56.199 or Section 27-19-56.240; or

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

SECTION 15. Section 27-19-56.154, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-56.154. (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 public school district of his choice located in this state or as a supporter of a nonprofit foundation, organization or association selected by the license tag applicant that is exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and which has as its primary purpose providing financial assistance and support for the educational needs of a public school district in this state for which the foundation, organization or association was organized. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the school district, foundation, organization or association selected by the applicant, 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, 2007, any person applying for a distinctive license tag under this section shall pay an additional fee in the amount of Thirty Dollars ($30.00) for each distinctive license tag applied for under this section, which shall be in addition to all other taxes and fees. The additional fee paid shall be for a period of time to run concurrently with the vehicle's established license tag year. The additional fee is due and payable at the time the original application is made for a distinctive license tag under this section and thereafter annually at the time of renewal registration as long as the owner retains the distinctive license tag. If the owner does not wish to retain the distinctive license tag, he must surrender it to the local county tax collector.

(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 school district, foundation, organization or association selected by the license tag applicant.

(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.

(7) Before the Department of Revenue may issue a license tag or plate for supporters of a school district under this section, the provisions of Section 27-19-44(3) must be met by the school district, nonprofit foundation, organization or association that is to receive a portion of the additional fee levied for the license tag or plate.

SECTION 16. Section 27-19-56.108, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-56.108. (1) Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2011, 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 him as a supporter of Rotary International. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the * * * Governor, District 6820, Rotary International, may prescribe, and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

(3) * * * Any person applying for a distinctive license tag under this section shall pay an additional fee in the amount of Thirty Dollars ($30.00) for each distinctive license tag applied for under this section, which shall be in addition to all other taxes and fees. The additional fee paid shall be for a period of time to run 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 disbursed to District 6820, Rotary International. District 6820, Rotary International, shall disburse the fees it receives to District 6800, District 6820 and District 6840, Rotary International based on the number of tags issued in each district.

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

(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.

(7) In order for a distinctive license tag to be issued under this section, the provisions of Section 27-19-44(3) must be satisfied for the distinctive license tag before July 1, 2013.

SECTION 17. Section 27-19-56.133, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-56.133. (1) Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2011, 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 * * * Boys and Girls Clubs. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Executive Director of the * * * Boys and Girls Clubs, may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

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

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

(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.

(7) In order for a distinctive license tag to be issued under this section, the provisions of Section 27-19-44(3) must be satisfied for the distinctive license tag before July 1, 2014.

SECTION 18. Section 27-19-56.216, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-56.216. (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 Laurel High School. The distinctive license tags so issued shall display the words "Laurel Tornadoes" and shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Superintendent of the Laurel * * * School District, may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

(3) Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2010, 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 Laurel * * * School District * * *.

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

SECTION 19. Section 27-19-48, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-48. (1) Owners of motor vehicles and noncommercial trailers who are residents of this state, upon complying with the * * * laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and trailers, 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, other noncommercial motor vehicles and trailers, and upon payment of an additional fee in the amount provided in subsection (4)(a) of this section, shall be issued a personalized license tag of the same color as regular license tags to consist of the name of the county and not more than seven (7) letters of the alphabet or seven (7) numbers in lieu of the license tag numbering system prescribed by law. The purchaser of the personalized license tag may choose the combination of such letters or numbers, but no two (2) motor vehicles or trailers shall have the same combination of letters or numbers. In the event that the same combination of letters has been chosen by two (2) or more purchasers, the Department of Revenue shall assign a different number to each such purchaser which shall appear on the license tag following the combination of letters; however, this combination shall not exceed seven (7) letters and/or numbers. The combination of letters and/or numbers written across the license tag shall be sufficiently large to be easily read but shall not be less than three (3) inches in height. No combination of letters or numbers which comprise words or expressions that are considered obscene, slandering, insulting or vulgar in ordinary usage shall be permitted, with the Commissioner of Revenue having the responsibility of making this determination. If, however, such license plate is issued in error or otherwise and is determined by the commissioner to be obscene, slanderous, insulting, vulgar or offensive, the commissioner shall notify the owner that the license plate must be surrendered and that another personalized license plate may be selected by him and issued at no cost. Should the vehicle or trailer owner not desire another personalized license plate, the fee for such plate shall be refunded. In the event the owner fails to surrender the license plate after receiving proper notification, the commissioner shall issue an order directing that the license plate be seized by agents of the Department of Revenue or any other duly authorized law enforcement personnel.

(2) For the purposes of this section the terms "motor vehicle" and "vehicle" include motorcycles.

(3) Application for the personalized license tags shall be made to the county tax collector on forms prescribed by the Department of Revenue. The application form shall contain space for the applicant to make five (5) different choices for the combination of the letters and numbers in the order in which the combination is desired by the applicant. The application and the additional fee, less five percent (5%) thereof to be retained by the tax collector, shall be remitted to the Department of Revenue within seven (7) days of the date the application is made. The portion of the additional fee retained by the tax collector shall be deposited into the county general fund.

(4) (a) Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after November 1, 1986, any person applying for a personalized license tag shall pay an additional fee 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 or trailer's established license tag year. The additional fee of Thirty Dollars ($30.00) is due and payable at the time the original application is made for a personalized tag and thereafter annually at the time of renewal registration as long as the owner retains the personalized tag. If the owner does not wish to retain the personalized tag, he must surrender it to the local county tax collector. The additional fee due at the time of renewal registration shall be collected by the county tax collector and remitted to the Department of Revenue on a monthly basis as prescribed by the department.

(b) The Department of Revenue shall deposit all taxes and fees into the State Treasury on the day collected. At the end of each month, the Department of Revenue shall certify the total fees collected under this section to the State Treasurer who shall distribute to the credit of the State General Fund Sixteen Dollars and Twenty-five Cents ($16.25) of each additional fee and 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.

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

(6) The applicant shall receive a refund of the fee paid for a personalized license tag if the personalized license tag is not issued to him because the combination of letters and numbers requested to be placed thereon is not available for any reason.

(7) In the case of loss or theft of a personalized license tag, the owner may make application and affidavit for a replacement license tag as provided by Section 27-19-37. The fee for a replacement personalized 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 license tags.

(8) The owner of a personalized license tag may make application for a duplicate of such tag. The fee for such duplicate personalized license tag shall be Ten Dollars ($10.00). The tax collector receiving the application shall be entitled to retain and deposit into the county general fund five percent (5%) of the fee for such duplicate personalized license tag and the remainder shall be distributed in the same manner as funds from the sale of regular license tags. A duplicate personalized license tag may not be fastened to the rear of a vehicle or trailer and may not be utilized as a replacement for any personalized license tag issued pursuant to this section. Month decals and year decals shall not be issued for duplicate personalized license tags and month decals and year decals shall not be attached to duplicate personalized license tags.

SECTION 20. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2011.