An Act To Amend Title 21 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Special License Plates.
Summary
SB305 creates a new special Delaware State University license plate program under Title 21 of the Delaware Code. Vehicle owners eligible under the bill may apply to the Division of Motor Vehicles for a DSU plate, and the DMV must issue the plate once it receives at least 200 applications. The bill applies to private passenger vehicles and certain motor vehicles, including trucks and trailers with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,000 pounds or less, but excludes trucks that qualify for the International Registration Plan.
The bill establishes a one-time $65 fee for the initial plate, including a $15 administrative fee, in addition to the regular annual registration fee. The administrative portion is retained by the DMV in a special fund to cover promotion and administration of the program, while the remaining proceeds are deposited with the State Treasurer and earmarked to support Delaware State University through the Delaware State University Fund. Replacement plates may be issued for a fee set by the DMV, and the agency is authorized to adopt rules and regulations and to reject plate designs that could create public safety or enforcement problems.
Impact
SB305 amends Title 21 by adding a new special registration plate provision for Delaware State University and creates a dedicated funding stream tied to plate sales. It affects the Division of Motor Vehicles, vehicle owners who choose to purchase the plate, and Delaware State University, which would receive the non-administrative portion of the initial fee to support its fund and related institutional purposes. The bill also expands the state’s special-plate framework by specifying eligible vehicle classes, fee handling, and DMV authority over design and administration.
Sentiment
The bill appears broadly favorable and noncontroversial in concept, with bipartisan sponsorship indicating support for Delaware State University and its mission. The synopsis frames the measure as a way to support student access, academic excellence, and university programs, suggesting a positive reception around the university-focused fundraising purpose. No committee transcript or vote record is provided, so there is no documented opposition or recorded debate in the available materials.
Contention
The main potential points of contention are administrative and eligibility-related rather than ideological. The bill requires a minimum of 200 applications before the DMV must issue the plate, which may be seen as a threshold to ensure demand. It also imposes the one-time fee even on applicants who are otherwise exempt from registration fees under Title 21, which could draw concern from nonprofit or fee-exempt vehicle owners. In addition, the DMV retains discretion to reject designs for public safety or enforcement reasons and excludes IRP-qualified trucks, which may limit who can participate.