SB23 Alabama 2015 1st Special Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald O. Dial

Republican

Session

First Special Session 2015

Title

Motor vehicles, National Guard tags, exemption applicable to other plates, insurance, evidence by electronic format, Revenue Department authorized to send notices in electronic format, Sec. 32-7A-26 added; Secs. 31-2-12, 32-6-110, 32-7A-6, 40-12-244 am'd.

Summary

SB23 broadens the National Guard vehicle fee exemption to apply beyond the distinctive National Guard plate, allows electronic proof of insurance, and lets the Department of Revenue send insurance notices electronically.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the bill lets active and retired Alabama National Guard and State Guard members use the registration fee exemption for one vehicle regardless of plate type (not limited to the distinctive National Guard plate). It also allows proof of motor vehicle liability insurance to be provided electronically and authorizes the Department of Revenue to send notices about insurance electronically. The bill adds a new rule-making authority for electronic notices to ensure they meet required content.

Who It Affects

• Active and retired members of the Alabama National Guard or Alabama State Guard (and their families) who own a vehicle; they would be able to claim the one-vehicle exemption without being restricted to the distinctive National Guard plate and may still obtain additional plates by paying normal taxes.
• All Alabama vehicle owners, drivers, insurers, and law enforcement; they would use electronic formats to prove and verify insurance, insurers would issue electronic insurance cards with required information, and the Department of Revenue could send electronic notices to verify a policy.

Key Provisions

• Amends 31-2-12 to remove the restriction that the one-vehicle registration fee exemption for National Guard members must be tied to the distinctive National Guard plate, expanding eligibility to apply to plates beyond that specific tag (with remaining rules about supplementary plates and taxes).
• Amends 32-7A-6 to permit evidence of insurance to be presented in electronic formats (including digital images on phones) and to outline acceptable forms of insurance documentation.
• Adds 32-7A-26, authorizing the Department of Revenue to establish rules for sending notices in electronic format to verify motor vehicle liability insurance, with content meeting the applicable requirements.
• Amends related provisions (including 40-12-244) to reflect the expanded exemption framework and to align with electronic insurance verification and notices, effective immediately upon the Governor's 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