Senate Bill 300 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Vivian Davis FiguresSenator

Democrat

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Distinctive license plates; Helping Schools plate design requirements further provided for, certain individuals eligible to receive the new license plate design at no cost

Summary

SB300 updates the design rules for Alabama's 'Helping Schools' license plate and offers a free replacement to certain holders once the new design is adopted (effective January 1, 2027).

What This Bill Does

Requires the Department of Revenue to design the 'Helping Schools' plates with a white background, the words 'Helping Schools' in red, and a drawing of a red apple, green book, and yellow ruler, and to do so in compliance with all laws and regulations. Keeps the plate program going with an annual $20 plate fee and five-year plate validity, allowing replacement with conventional or other personalized plates or with new 'Helping Schools' plates. Provides that for the 2027 registration year, a person who held a 'Helping Schools' plate bought or renewed between March 1, 2025 and December 31, 2026 will be issued a new plate meeting the updated design at no replacement fee.

Who It Affects

• Alabama motor vehicle owners who choose the 'Helping Schools' plate will pay the standard fees plus a $20 annual plate fee and receive the updated design.
• People who bought or renewed a 'Helping Schools' plate between March 1, 2025 and December 31, 2026 will receive a free replacement plate meeting the new design in 2027.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 32-6-300 to specify the design of the 'Helping Schools' plates: white background, red 'Helping Schools' text, and a drawing of a red apple, green book, and yellow ruler.
• Requires the Department of Revenue to design the plates in compliance with all applicable laws/regulations.
• Maintains five-year validity and the option to replace with conventional plates, other personalized plates, or new 'Helping Schools' plates, subject to standard fees and taxes.
• Beginning January 1, 2027, provides a no-cost replacement for those who had the plate during March 1, 2025 to December 31, 2026, to receive a plate meeting the new design requirements.

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