HB99 Alabama 2013 Session

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

HB99 would add a $5 extra fee to firefighter license plates and send that money to the Fire Fighters Annuity and Benefit Fund, while updating how plates are issued and who pays for them.

What This Bill Does

It adds a $5 fee for each firefighter tag and directs the funds to the Fire Fighters Annuity and Benefit Fund. It keeps the regular license fees but removes the separate $3 fee previously charged for firefighter plates. It requires state agencies to compile annual lists of eligible volunteer and paid firefighters, allows new members after December 1 to obtain a plate with proof, and creates penalties for false applications, plus a plate for widows or widowers of firefighters who die in the line of duty. The measure becomes effective on the first day of the third month after it is passed and approved by the Governor.

Who It Affects

• Firefighters (active volunteer, paid, or part-paid) who apply for or hold firefighter distinctive plates; they would pay the new $5 fee per tag, may receive plates for widows/widowers, and are exempt from the $3 fee previously required.
• Fire Fighters Annuity and Benefit Fund and related state agencies (Forestry Commission, Firefighters' Personnel Standards and Education Commission, and license issuing officials) that collect and distribute the new funds and manage eligibility lists and plate issuance.

Key Provisions

• Imposes an additional $5 fee for each firefighter tag, with the funds sent to the Fire Fighters Annuity and Benefit Fund.
• Amends Section 32-6-272 to set up the collection and distribution of the new fee to the Fund, and to modify how the funds are handled alongside regular license fees.
• Eliminates the separate $3 fee for firefighter tags (the $5 is the new fee).
• Requires the Alabama Forestry Commission and the Firefighters' Personnel Standards and Education Commission to prepare annual lists of eligible firefighters and submit them to the issuing officials by December 1 each year.
• Allows new firefighter members after December 1 to obtain a distinctive plate with proof of membership, and provides a process for those omitted from lists to obtain a plate.
• Establishes a Class C misdemeanor for anyone who falsely obtains or certifies another to obtain a firefighter plate.
• Provides for a distinctive plate to be issued to the widow or widower of a firefighter who dies in the line of duty upon written request.
• Effective date: the first day of the third month following passage and governor approval.

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