HB495 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mack N. ButlerRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Motor vehicles, distinctive license plates, provide for "person with autism" motor vehicle plate

Summary

The bill would create a distinctive 'Person with Autism' license plate for Alabama residents with an autism certification, with a $10 annual fee and specific rules for issuance and use.

What This Bill Does

Eligible residents with an autism certification (or the parent/guardian of someone who has one) can apply for the new plate by meeting registration requirements and paying regular fees plus a $10 annual fee. The plate would be valid for five years and can be replaced after that with conventional, personalized, or new autism plates. The Department of Revenue designs the plate and the design must be approved by the Legislative Oversight Committee before production; the plates are treated like other distinctive plates. The plates are not transferable between owners, and there are rules about transferring plates when selling a vehicle or buying a new one.

Who It Affects

• Alabama residents who have a valid Autism Spectrum Disorder certification card (or are the parent/guardian of someone who has one) and own a motor vehicle
• State and county officials involved in plate issuance and administration (Department of Revenue and judges of probate or license commissioners) who design, issue, and manage these plates and related transfers

Key Provisions

• Eligibility: residents with a valid autism certification card (or parent/guardian of a person with ASD) can apply to the judge of probate or license commissioner, comply with licensing laws, pay regular fees, and pay an additional $10 annual fee to receive the distinctive plate.
• Validity and replacement: plates are valid for five years and may be replaced with conventional, personalized, or new autism plates after that.
• Design and approval: the Department of Revenue must design the plates and the design must be approved by the Legislative Oversight Committee for License Plates before production.
• Fees and administration: the usual license fees apply; the act notes how payments for years without a new plate are evidenced as per existing law.
• Non-transferability and transfer rules: plates are not transferable between owners; if a vehicle is sold, plates stay with the owner and are returned to the county official; transfer to a new vehicle is allowed under specific certification and tax payment conditions; replacement plates may be purchased for a new owner.
• Administrative authority and effective date: the Department of Revenue may adopt rules to administer the section; the act becomes effective January 1, 2019.

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