MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2019 Regular Session

To: Finance

By: Senator(s) Fillingane

Senate Bill 2570

(As Sent to Governor)

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS TO SUPPORTERS OF FIRST RESPONDERS OF MISSISSIPPI, THE BELHAVEN IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION, THE JEFFERSON DAVIS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT, CANOPY CHILDREN'S SOLUTIONS, THE MISSISSIPPI KIDNEY FOUNDATION, THE MISSISSIPPI FACULTY ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY AND JUNIOR COLLEGES, THE MISSISSIPPI SWEET POTATO COUNCIL, THE FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER OF NORTH MISSISSIPPI, INGALLS SHIPBUILDING, THE ROTARY CLUB OF CENTRAL HANCOCK COUNTY, STARKVILLE HIGH SCHOOL, CAMP PIONEER, INC., THE MARTY WILSON FOUNDATION ONE GULF ONE GOAL, COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL, RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES OF MISSISSIPPI, INC., THE CELTIC HERITAGE SOCIETY, SUICIDE PREVENTION, THE MOSS POINT SCHOOL DISTRICT, THE MISSISSIPPI BOOK FESTIVAL, THE NORTH PANOLA SCHOOL DISTRICT, THE HOLLY SPRINGS SEPARATE SCHOOL DISTRICT, AND THE DIXIE NATIONAL RODEO; TO PRESCRIBE AN ADDITIONAL FEE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH LICENSE TAGS; TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE ADDITIONAL FEES COLLECTED; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-44, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO EXEMPT LICENSE TAGS FOR SUPPORTERS OF THE DIXIE NATIONAL RODEO FROM THE REQUIREMENT THAT A CERTAIN NUMBER OF SUCH TAGS MUST BE PURCHASED PRIOR TO ISSUANCE; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS WITH THE STENNIS FLAG DESIGNED BY LAURIN STENNIS IMPRINTED THEREON; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.15, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REAUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS THAT DISPLAY THE EMBLEMS OF UNIVERSITIES LOCATED IN OTHER STATES; TO PROVIDE THAT A PORTION OF THE FEES COLLECTED FROM THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE LICENSE TAGS DISPLAYING THE EMBLEM OF FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY SHALL BE DISTRIBUTED TO THE FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY VETERANS ALLIANCE FUND; 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 27-19-56.315, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REAUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS TO SUPPORTERS OF THE JUVENILE DIABETES FOUNDATION; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.402, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REAUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF THE DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS FOR SUPPORTERS OF CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY CENTERS OF MISSISSIPPI; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.314, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO EXTEND THE PERIOD OF TIME DURING WHICH THE REQUIREMENTS MAY BE MET FOR ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS FOR SUPPORTERS OF THE MIND CENTER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI MEDICAL CENTER; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.342, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REAUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS TO SUPPORTERS OF CALLAWAY HIGH SCHOOL; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.313, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE DISTRIBUTION OF FEES COLLECTED FROM THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS TO SUPPORTERS OF THE PEARL RIVER VALLEY WATER SUPPLY DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-53, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF DISABLED VETERAN MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS THAT MAY BE ISSUED TO A DISABLED VETERAN AND TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES OF SUCH A DISABLED VETERAN WHO IS EXEMPT FROM AD VALOREM AND PRIVILEGE TAXES; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.162, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE PERSONS TO WHOM THE GOLD STAR DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAG MAY BE ISSUED, TO PROVIDE THAT THE TAG MAY BE ISSUED TO FAMILY MEMBERS OF SERVICE MEMBERS WHO HAVE DIED WHILE SERVING ON ACTIVE DUTY IN THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES WHILE THE UNITED STATES WAS ENGAGED IN HOSTILE ACTIVITIES OR A TIME OF WAR; TO AMEND SECTION 27-51-41, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, IN CONFORMITY THERETO; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.186, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF THE IRAQ VETERAN DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAG TO PERSONS WHO ARE RECIPIENTS OF THE INHERENT RESOLVE CAMPAIGN MEDAL; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-52, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO INCLUDE SENIOR JUDGES ON SENIOR STATUS WITHIN THE MEMBERS OF THE STATE JUDICIARY WHO MAY APPLY FOR MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE THAT CANNOT BE TRACED EXCEPT BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. (1) Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2019, 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 First Responders of Mississippi. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of First Responders 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 Department of Revenue. The application and the additional fee imposed under subsection (3) of this section, less Two Dollars ($2.00) thereof to be retained by the tax collector, shall be remitted to the Department of Revenue on a monthly basis as prescribed by the department. The portion of the additional fee retained by the tax collector shall be deposited into the county general fund.

(3) Any person applying for a distinctive license tag under this section shall pay an additional fee in the amount of 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 First Responders of Mississippi.

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

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

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

(5) A regular license tag must be properly displayed as required by law until replaced by a distinctive license tag 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) Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2019, 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 Belhaven Improvement Association. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Belhaven Improvement Association, may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

(a) Twenty-four Dollars ($24.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be distributed to the Belhaven Improvement 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 3. (1) Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2019, 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 Jefferson Davis County School District. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Superintendent of the Jefferson Davis County 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 distributed to the Jefferson Davis County Schools Activities 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.

SECTION 4. (1) Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2019, 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 Canopy Children's Solutions. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of Canopy Children's Solutions, 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 Children's Home Society.

(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) Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2019, 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 Kidney Foundation. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Mississippi Kidney Foundation, 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 Kidney 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 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 Mississippi Faculty Association of Community and Junior Colleges. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Mississippi Faculty Association of Community and Junior Colleges, 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, 2019, 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 Faculty Association of Community and Junior Colleges.

(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) Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2019, any owner of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state, upon payment of the road and bridge privilege taxes, ad valorem taxes and registration fees as prescribed by law for private carriers of passengers, pickup trucks and other noncommercial motor vehicles, and upon payment of an additional fee in the amount provided in subsection (3) of this section, shall be issued a distinctive license tag for any motor vehicle registered in his name identifying such person as a supporter of the Mississippi Sweet Potato Council. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Mississippi Sweet Potato Council, may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

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

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

SECTION 8. (1) Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2019, 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 Family Resource Center of North Mississippi. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Family Resource Center of North Mississippi, 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 Family Resource Center of North Mississippi.

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

SECTION 9. (1) Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2019, 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 Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of Ingalls Shipbuilding, 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 Main Street Pascagoula.

(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 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 Rotary Club of Central Hancock County. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Rotary Club of Central Hancock 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 distributed to the Rotary Club of Central Hancock County.

(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 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 Starkville High School. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Principal of Starkville High School, may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

(a) Twenty-four Dollars ($24.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be distributed to Starkville Athletic Booster Club, 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 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 any motor vehicle registered in his name identifying such person as a supporter of Camp Pioneer, Inc. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of Camp Pioneer, 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 Camp Pioneer, 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 13. (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 Marty Wilson Foundation One Gulf One Goal. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Marty Wilson Foundation One Gulf One Goal, 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 Marty Wilson Foundation One Gulf One Goal for use in its cobia release program.

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

SECTION 14. (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 Columbus High School. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Principal of Columbus High School, may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

(a) Twenty-four Dollars ($24.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued pursuant to this section shall be distributed to the Columbus Municipal School District for use in the Columbus Municipal School District Teacher Incentive Pay Plan (CMSD TIPP).

(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 15. (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 Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mississippi, Inc. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mississippi, 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 Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mississippi, 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 16. (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 Celtic Heritage Society. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Celtic Heritage Society, 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 Celtic Heritage Society.

(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 17. (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 suicide prevention. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Mississippi Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 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 Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

(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 18. (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 Moss Point School District. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Superintendent of the Moss Point 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 distributed to the Gulf Coast Community Foundation for deposit into a special fund created by the Moss Point Educational Enhancement Foundation and used for the purpose authorized by the Board of Directors of the Moss Point Educational Enhancement 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 19. (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 Book Festival. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Mississippi Book Festival, 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 Book Festival.

(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 20. (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 North Panola School District. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Superintendent of the North Panola 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 distributed to the North Panola 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 21. (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 Holly Springs Separate School District. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Superintendent of the Holly Springs Separate 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 distributed to the Holly Springs Separate 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 22. (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 Mississippi Fair Commission, may prescribe. The words "Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo" shall be featured prominently on 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.

(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 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.

(7) There is established in the State Treasury a special fund which shall consist of monies deposited therein under subsection (4) of this section. Monies in the fund may be expended by the Mississippi Fair Commission, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for the benefit and use of the state fairgrounds. Unexpended amounts remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any interest earned or investment earnings on amounts in the fund shall be deposited to the credit of the fund.

SECTION 23. 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, for any distinctive license tag or plate authorized or reauthorized by the Legislature from and after July 1, 2007, the following requirements must be met before the Department of Revenue may prepare or issue any such license tag or plate:

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

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

(4) Any distinctive license tag authorized under Sections 27-19-56.186, 27-19-56.203 and 27-19-56.315 must meet the requirements of this subsection before the Department of Revenue may prepare or issue any such license tag or plate. The organization or other entity for which the Legislature authorized the distinctive license tag or plate must submit proof satisfactory to the Department of Revenue that at least one hundred (100) of such license tags or plates will be purchased and must deposit with the department an amount necessary to purchase one hundred (100) of such license tags or plates. The organization or other entity for which the Legislature authorized the distinctive license tag or plate must satisfy the requirements of this subsection (4) within three (3) years after the effective date of the law authorizing the license tag or plate in order to permit the license tag or plate to be prepared and issued.

(5) The distinctive license tags authorized under Section 27-19-56.108 must meet the requirements of this subsection before the Department of Revenue may prepare or issue any such license tag or plate. The organization or other entity for which the Legislature authorized the distinctive license tag or plate must submit proof satisfactory to the Department of Revenue that at least two hundred (200) of such license tags or plates will be purchased and must deposit with the department an amount necessary to purchase two hundred (200) of such license tags or plates.

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

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

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

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

(a) Which are issued under Section 27-19-45, 27-19-46, 27-19-47.1, 27-19-47.2, 27-19-48, 27-19-49, 27-19-53, 27-19-55, 27-19-56, 27-19-56.1, 27-19-56.2, 27-19-56.3, 27-19-56.5, 27-19-56.6, 27-19-56.9, 27-19-56.11, 27-19-56.12, 27-19-56.13, 27-19-56.62, 27-19-56.69, 27-19-56.79, 27-19-56.90, 27-19-56.125, 27-19-56.127, 27-19-56.137, 27-19-56.162, 27-19-56.187, 27-19-56.199, 27-19-56.239, 27-19-56.292, 27-19-56.318, 27-19-56.379 * * *or, Section 27-19-56.466 or Section 22 of this act; or

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

SECTION 24. (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 Mississippi Department of Archives and History, may prescribe. The Stennis Flag designed by Laurin Stennis shall be featured prominently on 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.

(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) There is established in the State Treasury a special fund which shall consist of monies deposited therein under subsection (4) of this section. Monies in the fund may be expended by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for the operation and maintenance of the Mississippi Museum of History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. Unexpended amounts remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any interest earned or investment earnings on amounts in the fund shall be deposited to the credit of the fund.

SECTION 25. Section 27-19-56.15, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-56.15. (1) (a) Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2012, 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 of Fifty Dollars ($50.00), shall be issued a distinctive license tag that displays the emblem of any public or private university of his choice located in another state.

(b) The design of the emblems for the distinctive license tags authorized under this subsection shall be determined by agreement between the Department of Revenue and the governing authorities of public or private universities in the states where the universities are located. Such other design characteristics and information to be contained on such distinctive license tags shall be determined by the Department of Revenue.

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

(d) (i) The Department of Revenue shall deposit all fees that it receives under this subsection into the State Treasury on the day received. At the end of each month, the Department of Revenue shall certify the total fees collected under this section to the State Treasurer who, except as otherwise provided in this paragraph (d), shall distribute such collections as follows:

1. Forty-four Dollars ($44.00) of the additional fees collected from each distinctive license tag issued under this subsection shall be deposited into the State General Fund.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

(ii) The Treasurer shall distribute fees collected under this section from the issuance of distinctive license tags displaying the emblem of Auburn University as follows:

1. Except as otherwise provided in this item 1, Forty-four Dollars ($44.00) of each additional fee collected on such distinctive license tags pursuant to this section shall be distributed to the Adult Education Department of the Rankin County School District for the purpose of providing funds for the Rankin County School District GED Scholarship Endowment. However, from and after January 1, 2013, Forty-four Dollars ($44.00) of each additional fee collected on such distinctive license tags pursuant to this section shall be distributed to Habitat for Humanity/Metro Jackson, Inc.

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

3. Two Dollars ($2.00) of each additional fee collected on such 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.

4. One Dollar ($1.00) of each additional fee collected on such 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.

(iii) The State Treasurer shall distribute fees collected under this section from the issuance of distinctive license tags displaying the emblem of the University of Alabama as follows:

1. Forty-four Dollars ($44.00) of each additional fee collected on such distinctive license tags pursuant to this section shall be distributed to the Friends of Children's Hospital.

(iv) The State Treasurer shall distribute fees collected under this section from the issuance of distinctive license tags displaying the emblem of the University of South Alabama as follows:

1. Forty-four Dollars ($44.00) of each additional fee collected on such distinctive license tags pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the Mississippi Trauma Care Systems Fund established in Section 41-59-75.

(v) The State Treasurer shall distribute fees collected under this section from the issuance of distinctive license tags displaying the emblem of the University of Oklahoma as follows:

1. Forty-four Dollars ($44.00) of each additional fee collected on such distinctive license tags pursuant to this section shall be distributed to Mississippi Gulf Coast Y.M.C.A., Inc.

(vi) The State Treasurer shall distribute fees collected under this section from the issuance of distinctive license tags displaying the emblem of the Louisiana State University as follows:

1. Forty-four Dollars ($44.00) of each additional fee collected on such distinctive license tags pursuant to this section shall be distributed to the Bayou Bengal Booster Club of Mississippi to be utilized by the club to make contributions to charitable organizations that are approved by the Chancellor of Louisiana State University.

(vii) The State Treasurer shall distribute fees collected under this section from the issuance of distinctive license tags displaying the emblem of the University of Memphis as follows:

1. Twenty-two Dollars ($22.00) of each additional fee collected on such distinctive license tags pursuant to this section shall be distributed to Baptist Memorial Hospital DeSoto.

2. Twenty-two Dollars ($22.00) of each additional fee collected on such distinctive license tags pursuant to this section shall be distributed to the Methodist Healthcare Foundation for the Methodist Olive Branch Hospital.

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

4. Two Dollars ($2.00) of each additional fee collected on such 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.

5. One Dollar ($1.00) of each additional fee collected on such 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.

(viii) The State Treasurer shall distribute fees collected under this section from the issuance of distinctive license tags displaying the emblem of Clemson University as follows:

1. Forty-four Dollars ($44.00) of each additional fee collected on such distinctive license tags pursuant to this section shall be distributed to the Magnolia Clemson Club.

(ix) The State Treasurer shall distribute fees collected under this section from the issuance of distinctive license tags displaying the emblem of Texas A&M University as follows:

1. Forty-four Dollars ($44.00) of each additional fee collected on such distinctive license tags pursuant to this section shall be distributed to the Aggie Scholarship Committee, Inc.

(x) The State Treasurer shall distribute fees collected under this section from the issuance of distinctive license tags displaying the emblem of Florida State University as follows:

1. Forty-four Dollars ($44.00) of each additional fee collected on such distinctive license tags pursuant to this section shall be distributed to the Florida State University Veterans Alliance Fund.

(2) 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.

(3) 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.

(4) In order for a distinctive license tag for a university to be issued pursuant to this section, the provisions of Section 27-19-44(3) must be satisfied for such university license tag prior to July 1, * * *~~2017~~ 2022.

SECTION 26. 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 Past 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.

(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 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 equally to District 6800, District 6820 and District 6840, Rotary International.

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

(6) In the case of loss or theft of a distinctive license tag issued under this section, the owner may make application and affidavit for a replacement distinctive license tag as provided by Section 27-19-37. The fee for a replacement distinctive license tag shall be Ten Dollars ($10.00). The tax collector receiving such application and affidavit shall be entitled to retain and deposit into the county general fund five percent (5%) of the fee for such replacement license tag and the remainder shall be distributed 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(5) must be satisfied for the distinctive license tag before July 1, * * * ~~2018~~ 2021.

SECTION 27. Section 27-19-56.315, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-56.315. (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 Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Mississippi Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research 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, 2012, 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.

(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(4) must be satisfied for the distinctive license tag before July 1, 2021.

SECTION 28. Section 27-19-56.402, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-56.402. (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 Children's Advocacy Centers of Mississippi. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of Children's Advocacy Centers of Mississippi, may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

(3) Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2015, 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 Children's Advocacy Centers of Mississippi.

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

(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, 2022.

SECTION 29. Section 27-19-56.314, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-56.314. (1) Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2016, 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 MIND Center at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the MIND Center at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, 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 a special fund hereby created in the State Treasury to the credit of the MIND Center at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. The fund shall be available for expenditure at the discretion of the University of Mississippi Medical Center for the benefit of the MIND Center.

(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, * * *~~2019~~ 2022.

SECTION 30. Section 27-19-56.342, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-56.342. (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 Callaway High School. The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Principal of Callaway High School, may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

(3) Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2013, 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 Callaway High School for support of the school's athletics program.

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

(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, 2022.

SECTION 31. Section 27-19-56.313, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-56.313. (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 Pearl River Valley Water Supply District, also known as "The Rez." The distinctive license tags so issued shall be of such color and design as the Department of Revenue, with the advice of the Executive Committee acting for the Board of Directors of the Pearl River Valley Water Supply 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 distributed to the * * * Barnett Reservoir 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 32. Section 27-19-53, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-53. (1) Any legal resident of the State of Mississippi who is a veteran of service in the Armed Forces of the United States, and who is rated as having one hundred percent (100%) permanent service-connected disability by the Veterans' Administration is privileged to purchase annually under this subsection * * * ~~one (1)~~ two (2) motor vehicle license plates or tags in his or her county of legal residence, for the sum of One Dollar ($1.00) in total cost for each plate or tag, regardless of make or model of motor vehicle. The registration year of such motor vehicle shall commence the first day of the month in which application for registration is made, as provided in Section 27-19-31.

(a) Not more than * * * ~~one (1)~~ two (2) such motor vehicle license plates or tags shall be issued under this subsection to each such qualified veteran.

(b) This section pertains only to taxes or plates for private passenger motor vehicles or pickup trucks.

(c) Proof of ownership of a particular motor vehicle for which a license plate or tag is requested must be shown at time of application for such plate or tag.

(d) Vehicles owned by such veterans are exempt under this subsection from all ad valorem and privilege taxes; however, the surviving spouse of a deceased person who was issued a license plate or tag under this subsection shall be entitled to apply for or retain a license tag issued under this subsection and may continue annually to renew registration for * * * ~~one (1)~~ two (2) motor vehicle license plates or tags under this subsection for as long as the spouse remains unmarried. In addition, if a deceased person who was eligible to be issued a license plate or tag under this subsection did not apply for or was not issued a license plate or tag, the surviving spouse of such deceased person shall be entitled to apply for and be issued a license plate or tag under this subsection and may continue annually to renew registration for * * * ~~one (1)~~ two (2) motor vehicle license plates or tags under this subsection for as long as the spouse remains unmarried. At the time of application or renewal registration, a surviving spouse who desires to retain * * * ~~the~~ a distinctive plate or tag issued under this subsection shall file with the county tax collector a sworn statement that the spouse is unmarried. Any such vehicle when so registered shall be exempt from all ad valorem and privilege taxes.

(2) Any person who is entitled to obtain * * * a license tags under subsection (1) of this section may be issued one (1) additional such license tag for any other vehicle registered in his or her name upon payment of the road and bridge privilege taxes, ad valorem taxes and registration fees as otherwise prescribed by law for the particular vehicle.

(3) The Department of Revenue is directed to furnish each veteran obtaining a license tag under this section an emblem, which the veteran shall attach securely to the tag, showing that the tag was issued to a disabled American veteran.

(4) A license issued under this section shall not be transferable to any other person.

(5) Any person evading or violating any of the provisions of this section, or attempting to secure benefits under this section to which he is not entitled, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not less than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) or imprisoned in the county jail for not less than ninety (90) days, or both.

SECTION 33. Section 27-19-56.162, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-56.162. (1) There shall be issued beginning July 1, 2008, special motor vehicle license tags honoring the family members of service members who have * * * died while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States while the United States was engaged in hostile activities or a time of war. The license tag shall be officially designated as the Gold Star license plate.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in this section, any owner of a motor vehicle who is a resident of this state and a family member of a service member who has * * * died while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States while the United States was engaged in hostile activities or a time of war, 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 (5) of this section, shall be issued a Gold Star license tag for any motor vehicle registered in his name. The distinctive license tag shall be of such color and design as the * * * ~~State Tax Commission~~ Department of Revenue, with the advice of supporters of this license tag, may prescribe; however, the license tag shall bear in a conspicuous place a gold star with blue fringe on a white background with a red border that is the symbol for a fallen service member and shall have the words "Gold Star Family" and the branch of the United States Armed Forces in which the family member served displayed on it.

(3) One (1) Gold Star license tag issued to the mother of the service member who * * * died while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States while the United States was engaged in hostile activities or a time of war after September 11, 2001, and one (1) Gold Star license tag issued to the unremarried spouse of the service member who * * * died while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States while the United States was engaged in hostile activities or a time of war after September 11, 2001, shall be exempt from ad valorem taxes, privilege taxes and all other taxes and fees.

(4) Application for the distinctive license tags authorized by this section shall be made to the county tax collector on forms prescribed by the * * * ~~State Tax Commission~~ Department of Revenue. The application and the additional fee imposed under subsection (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~~ Department of Revenue on a monthly basis as prescribed by the * * * ~~commission~~ department. The portion of the additional fee retained by the tax collector shall be deposited into the county general fund.

(5) Except as otherwise provided in this section, beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2008, 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.

(6) The * * * ~~State Tax Commission~~ Department of Revenue shall deposit all fees into the State Treasury on the day collected. At the end of each month, the * * * ~~State Tax Commission~~ Department of Revenue shall certify 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 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.

(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) A Gold Star license tag issued pursuant to this section may be personalized in the manner provided for in Section 27-19-48 upon payment of the additional fee prescribed in that section.

(8) * * * ~~(a)~~ In order to qualify as a family member, the person must be directly related to the fallen service member as their unremarried spouse, child, stepchild, legal mother or father, sibling related by blood or legal adoption, step-sibling, grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle or stepparent who is currently married to the mother or father of the fallen service member.

* * *

(9) Whether a service member is deemed to have * * * died while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States while the United States was engaged in hostile activities or a time of war shall be determined by the classification of death as listed by the United States Department of Defense and may be verified from documentation directly from the Department of Defense or from its subordinate agencies such as the Coast Guard, Reserve or National Guard. A classification of * * * having died while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States while the United States was engaged in hostile activities or a time of war by the Department of Defense shall be prima facie evidence that the service member * * * ~~was killed in action~~ died in such manner. Documentation of the fact that the service member * * * died while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States while the United States was engaged in hostile activities or a time of war and proof of relationship to the service member shall be required by the county tax collector before issuing a Gold Star license plate. The county tax collector may waive the documentation if he or she has actual knowledge of the family relationship and that the service member * * * died while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States while the United States was involved in hostile activities or a time of war.

(10) The Gold Star license plate shall be issued only to family members of service members that resided in Mississippi at the time of the death of the service member.

(11) 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.

(12) 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 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) * * * ~~One (1)~~ Two (2) motor vehicles owned by a disabled American veteran, or by the spouse of a deceased disabled American veteran, who is entitled to purchase a distinctive license plate or tag in accordance with Section 27-19-53, regardless of the license plate or tag issued to the disabled American veteran or the veteran's spouse if the disabled American veteran is deceased.

(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 thereof which 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.

(r) Motor vehicles that are (i) designed or adapted to be used exclusively in the preparation and loading of chemicals or other material for aerial agricultural application to crops; and (ii) only incidentally used on public roadways in this state.

(s) One (1) motor vehicle owned by the mother of a service member who * * * died while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States while the United States was engaged in hostile activities or a time of war after September 11, 2001, * * * as provided for in Section 27-19-56.162.

(t) One (1) motor vehicle owned by the unremarried spouse of a service member who * * * died while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States while the United States was engaged in hostile activities or a time of war after September 11, 2001, * * * as provided for in Section 27-19-56.162.

(u) Buses and other motor vehicles that are (a) owned and operated by an entity that has entered into a contract with a school board under Section 37-41-31 for the purpose of transporting students to and from schools and (b) used by the entity for such transportation purposes. This paragraph (u) shall apply to contracts entered into or renewed on or after July 1, 2010.

(v) One (1) motor vehicle owned by a recipient of the Silver Star, and one (1) motor vehicle owned by the unremarried surviving spouse of a recipient of the Silver Star, as provided in Section 27-19-56.284.

(w) One (1) motor vehicle owned by a person who is a law enforcement officer and who (i) was wounded or otherwise received intentional or accidental bodily injury, regardless of whether occurring before or after July 1, 2014, while engaged in the performance of his official duties, provided the wound or injury was not self-inflicted, (ii) was required to receive medical treatment for the wound or injury due to the nature and extent of the wound or injury, and (iii) is eligible to receive a special license plate or tag under Section 27-19-56 as a result of such wound or injury, regardless of whether the person obtains such a plate or tag. Application for the exemption provided in this paragraph (w) may be made at the time of initial registration of a vehicle and renewal of registration. In addition, an applicant for the exemption must provide official written documentation that (i) the applicant is a law enforcement officer who was wounded or otherwise received intentional or accidental bodily injury while engaged in the performance of his official duties and that the wound or injury was not self-inflicted along with official written documentation verifying receipt of medical treatment for the wound or injury and the nature and extent of the wound or injury, and (ii) the applicant is eligible to receive a special license plate or tag under Section 27-19-56 as a result of such wound or injury, regardless of whether the person obtains such a plate or tag.

(x) One (1) motor vehicle owned by an honorably discharged veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States who served during World War II, and one (1) motor vehicle owned by the unremarried surviving spouse of such veteran, as provided in Section 27-19-56.438.

(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. Section 27-19-56.186, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-56.186. (1) In recognition of the patriotic services rendered by Mississippians who are recipients of the Southwest Asia Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal * * * or, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal or the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal for service in, or in support of operations in, Iraq, any such person, upon complying with the motor vehicle laws relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles, and upon payment of the road and bridge privilege taxes, ad valorem taxes and registration fees as prescribed by law for private carriers of passengers, pickup trucks and other noncommercial motor vehicles, and upon payment of an additional annual fee in the amount provided in subsection (3) of this section, shall be privileged to obtain one (1) distinctive motor vehicle license plate or tag for each motor vehicle registered in his or her name identifying him or her as an Iraq veteran. The tags shall be of such color and design as the * * * ~~State Tax Commission~~ Department of Revenue, with the advice of the State Veterans Affairs Board, may prescribe and shall consist of such letters or numbers, or both, as may be necessary to distinguish each license tag.

(2) Application for the distinctive license tags shall be made to the county tax collector on forms prescribed by the * * * ~~State Tax Commission~~ Department of Revenue. Applicants for such distinctive license tags shall present to the issuing official written proof that the applicant is a recipient of the Southwest Asia Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal * * * or, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal or the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal for service in, or in support of operations in, Iraq. The application and the additional fee, less Two Dollars ($2.00) to be retained by the tax collector, shall be remitted to the * * * ~~State Tax Commission~~ Department of Revenue on a monthly basis as prescribed by the * * * ~~commission~~ department. The portion of the additional fee retained by the tax collector shall be deposited into the county general fund.

(3) Beginning with any registration year commencing on or after July 1, 2009, any person applying for a distinctive license tag under this section shall pay an additional fee in the amount of Thirty Dollars ($30.00) for each distinctive license tag applied for under this section, which shall be in addition to all other taxes and fees. The additional fee paid shall be for a period of time to run concurrently with the vehicle's established license tag year. The additional fee is due and payable at the time the original application is made for a distinctive license tag under this section and thereafter annually at the time of renewal registration as long as the owner retains the distinctive license tag. If the owner does not wish to retain the distinctive license tag, he or she must surrender it to the local county tax collector.

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

(a) Twenty-four Dollars ($24.00) of each additional fee collected on distinctive license tags issued under this section shall be deposited in the State Treasury to the credit of a special fund to be administered by the State Veterans Affairs Board of this state for the benefit of the State Veterans Memorial Cemetery and veterans nursing homes in this state.

(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 36. Section 27-19-52, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

27-19-52. Any federal judge or magistrate, any justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court, any judge of the Mississippi Court of Appeals, any chancellor or circuit court judge, any county court judge, any senior judge on senior status appointed under Section 9-1-107, the United States Attorney or any attorney assigned to his office, or any state district attorney or assistant district attorney, upon the 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, may, upon request, be issued a motor vehicle license tag by the * * * ~~State Tax Commission~~ Department of Revenue whose number cannot be traced except by a law enforcement agency upon a request directed to the * * * ~~State Tax Commission~~ Department of Revenue that is related to a legitimate law enforcement purpose. The motor vehicle license tag letters or numbers, or both, shall be assigned by the * * * ~~State Tax Commission~~ Department of Revenue and the tag shall be indistinguishable from a regular motor vehicle license tag. The tag shall be applied for at the county tax collector's office and the application shall be directed to the * * * ~~State Tax Commission~~ Department of Revenue for issuance of the tag by whatever method the * * * ~~commission~~ department considers appropriate. For all purposes, other than the issuance of the tag and its inability to be traced, the tag shall be treated in the same manner as a regular motor vehicle license tag.

SECTION 37. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2019.