HB229 Alabama 2013 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: John Merrill
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2013
Title: Motor vehicles, firefighter distinctive tag, additional fee, distrib. to Firefighters Annuity and Benefit Fund, Sec. 32-6-272 am'd.
Summary: The bill creates a $5 annual firefighter tag fee and directs the funds to the Fire Fighters Annuity and Benefit Fund, changing how firefighter plates are issued and who can get them.
What This Bill Does
It amends Section 32-6-272 to require an annual $5 fee for each firefighter license plate, with the money forwarded to the Fire Fighters Annuity and Benefit Fund. It also eliminates the separate $3 base fee for firefighter tags and clarifies that these plates are issued through standard license officials like other plates. The bill requires state and forestry/education commissions to prepare yearly lists of eligible firefighters and to verify membership before issuing tags, and it creates penalties for fraudulent issuance. It additionally allows the widow or widower of a firefighter who dies in the line of duty to obtain a distinctive firefighter plate upon written request.

Who It Affects
Firefighters in volunteer, paid, or part-paid departments who obtain a firefighter tag; they will pay an annual $5 fee for each tag and will not be charged the $3 base fee, with the funds going to the Fire Fighters Annuity and Benefit Fund.
Widows or widowers of firefighters who die in the line of duty; they may obtain a distinctive firefighter plate upon written written request.

Key Provisions
Adds an annual $5 fee for each firefighter tag/license plate, with funds distributed to the Fire Fighters Annuity and Benefit Fund via the State Treasurer.
Waives the $3 base plate fee for firefighter tags and clarifies that firefighter plates are issued through the same process as other plates, for privately owned passenger vehicles.
Requires the Alabama Forestry Commission and the Firefighters' Personnel Standards and Education Commission to compile and submit lists of eligible firefighters by December 1 each year.
Establishes a Class C misdemeanor for obtaining or certifying someone to obtain a firefighter plate falsely.
Allows the widow or widower of a firefighter who dies in the line of duty to receive a distinctive firefighter plate upon written request.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Motor Vehicles