House Bill 317 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Curtis L. TravisRepresentative

Democrat

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Firefighter distinctive license plate; fire chaplains included, penalty for violations provided for

Summary

HB317 expands eligibility for the firefighter distinctive license plate to include fire chaplains and adds penalties for fraudulent issuance, while directing a $1 annual fee to firefighter memorial and support programs.

What This Bill Does

First, it allows fire chaplains to obtain the firefighter distinctive license plate, with verification by the Alabama Fellowship of Fire Chaplains. Second, it creates a Class C misdemeanor for anyone who falsely obtains or certifies someone to obtain the plate. Third, it adds an annual $1 fee to the plate, with 50 cents going to the Alabama Firefighter Memorial Fund and 50 cents to the Firefighter Peer Support Program, audited every three years, and it requires administration by the Department of Revenue; the act takes effect January 1, 2027 (with the fee taking effect January 1, 2022). Fourth, it keeps the plate design featuring a red Maltese cross and the wording 'Fire Fighter' and limits use to privately owned passenger vehicles.

Who It Affects

• Fire chaplains in Alabama who are members in good standing of the Alabama Fellowship of Fire Chaplains, who may apply for the firefighter distinctive license plate.
• Owners or applicants for the firefighter distinctive license plate on privately owned passenger vehicles, who would pay the new annual fee and whose plates would fund memorial and peer-support programs.

Key Provisions

• Expands eligibility for the firefighter distinctive license plate to include fire chaplains, with verification by an affidavit from the President of the Alabama Fellowship of Fire Chaplains confirming membership and good standing.
• Imposes a $1 annual fee for the plate, distributes 50 cents to the Alabama Firefighter Memorial Fund and 50 cents to the Firefighter Peer Support Program (monthly), requires audits every three years, imposes a Class C misdemeanor for fraudulent applications, and allows the Department of Revenue to adopt rules; the act takes effect January 1, 2027 (fee starts January 1, 2022).

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Motor Vehicles & Traffic