"IN GOD WE TRUST" PLATE S.B. 640: FLOOR ANALYSIS
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Senate Bill 640 (as reported without amendment)
Sponsor: Senator Cameron S. Brown
Committee: Transportation
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to require the Secretary of State to design, develop, and issue a fund-raising plate with the words "In God We Trust" inscribed on the plate; and to eliminate the limit of eight on the number of State-sponsored fund-raising plates that may be developed.
The bill would require the Secretary of State to transfer the donation money from the sale of "In God We Trust" fund-raising plates to the State Treasurer, who would have to credit the money to the State's General Fund.
The "In God We Trust" fund-raising plate would have to be developed under Section 811e and issued under Section 811f. (Section 811e requires a $15,000 start-up fee to be paid for any new fund-raising plate within 18 months after the effective date of the public act authorizing the plate. The fee must be deposited in the Transportation Administration Collection Fund and used for the cost of creating, producing, and issuing fund-raising plates.
Section 811f authorizes the Secretary of State, upon application, to issue one fund-raising plate instead of a standard plate for use on a motor vehicle. A person applying for a fund-raising plate must pay a $25 fund-raising donation, the regular vehicle registration tax, and a $10 service fee. A person applying to renew a fund-raising plate must pay a $25 donation and the regular registration tax.)
MCL 257.811e et al. Legislative Analyst: Curtis Walker
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would create a start-up cost to the Department of State. The start-up fee of $15,000 prescribed in the Code normally covers the Department's start-up costs; however, it is uncertain who would pay this start-up fee as there is no nonprofit fund created from which the start-up fee would be paid.
The bill would have no fiscal impact on local government.
Date Completed: 10-24-07 Fiscal Analyst: Joe Carrasco
Analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent. sb640/0708