HB257 Alabama 2019 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Randall Shedd
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2019
Title: Legislative Oversight Committee, distinctive tag program, private two-year colleges, Sec. 32-6-67 am'd.
Summary: HB 257 updates the Legislative Oversight Committee for license plates, tightens who can sponsor distinctive plates, improves review of personalized plates, and clarifies how some license plate funds are distributed.
What This Bill Does
It changes the Legislative Oversight Committee’s makeup, meeting rules, and its authority to approve new distinctive license plate categories, requiring a two-thirds vote. It prohibits certain organizations, including private or proprietary two-year colleges, from applying for distinctive plates, while allowing out-of-state colleges to be considered under specific conditions. It assigns the Department of Revenue the task of reviewing personalized plates for compliance and provides a circuit court appeal path for denials. It also clarifies that proceeds from certain license taxes and fees will be distributed to counties and municipalities in the same way as specified in Act 2019-2.

Who It Affects
Private or proprietary two-year colleges: prohibited from sponsoring or being approved for distinctive license plates.
Out-of-state colleges or universities: may be considered for distinctive plates under specified conditions.
Organizations seeking distinctive license plates: subject to committee rules and potential disapproval if they fall into prohibited categories; affected by the two-thirds vote requirement for new plate categories.
Individuals applying for personalized license plates: subject to Department of Revenue review and an appeals process in circuit court.
Counties and municipalities: license tax and registration fee proceeds must be distributed and used in the same way as described in Act 2019-2.
Committee members and state agencies involved in plate administration: have defined roles and responsibilities, including meeting requirements and advisory participation.

Key Provisions
Section 32-6-67 amended to create a Legislative Oversight Committee with specified legislative and nonvoting members, meeting requirements (at least every six months), and a two-thirds vote to approve new distinctive license plate categories.
Prohibition of certain organizations from applying for distinctive license plates, including public schools K-12, private or proprietary two-year colleges, and private or proprietary technical schools (with an exception for the Helping Schools Tag).
Out-of-state colleges or universities may be considered for a distinctive license plate under Section 32-6-64.
Department of Revenue shall review all personalized license plates for compliance with applicable rules, and denials can be appealed in the circuit court of the vehicle’s registered county.
Proceeds from annual license taxes and registration fees are to be allocated to counties and municipalities in the same manner and for the same purposes as specified in Act 2019-2.
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 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Legislature