SB254 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Wendell MitchellTom Butler

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Motor vehicles, distinctive license tags, Forestry Commission and Firefighters' Personnel Standards and Education Commission required to prepare lists of persons eligible for, widow or widower of firefighter or volunteer firefighter who dies in line of duty authorized to receive free license tag, Sec. 32-6-272 am'd.

Summary

SB254 creates a system for distinctive firefighter license plates and allows free plates for widows or widowers of firefighters who die in the line of duty.

What This Bill Does

It requires the Alabama Forestry Commission to list members of certified volunteer fire departments and the Firefighters' Personnel Standards and Education Commission to list members of paid or part-paid departments. It changes how plates are issued by requiring proof of membership and letting plates be issued through county officials, with the normal license fee but not the $3 fee. It also provides that widows or widowers of firefighters who die in the line of duty can receive a free plate, and it sets penalties for fraud. Lists must be updated and submitted by December 1 each year, and the law takes effect after a specified period following passage.

Who It Affects

• Members of certified volunteer fire departments can obtain a distinctive license plate for their private vehicles by proving membership.
• Members of paid or part-paid fire departments can obtain a distinctive license plate for their private vehicles by proving membership.
• Widows or widowers of firefighters who die in the line of duty can receive a free distinctive license plate upon request.
• County license issuing officials, the Alabama Forestry Commission, and the Firefighters' Personnel Standards and Education Commission oversee membership verification, lists, and plate issuance.

Key Provisions

• The Forestry Commission must prepare a list of certified volunteer fire departments and the Firefighters' Personnel Standards and Education Commission must prepare a list of paid or part-paid fire departments.
• By December 1 each year, these lists must be submitted to the county's license issuing official.
• Applicants must present proof of membership; plates are issued with the regular license fee, but the $3 fee is not charged, and plates are for privately owned passenger vehicles in the name of the firefighter.
• New members joining after December 1, or those omitted from lists, may obtain a plate by proving membership with a certificate signed by the department chief.
• False or fraudulent claims to obtain a plate are a Class C misdemeanor.
• A distinctive plate must be provided to the widow or widower of a firefighter who dies in the line of duty upon written request.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after its passage and approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Motor Vehicles