Special license plates; Jackson State University; establish
Summary
HB 1073 would amend Georgia law governing specialty license plates to create a new plate honoring Jackson State University. The bill adds Jackson State University to the list of organizations eligible for a special license plate under Code Section 40-2-86 and directs that funds raised from the sale of the plate be disbursed to the Jackson State University National Alumni Association Inc., Metro Atlanta Chapter.
The measure is largely administrative and revenue-directed: it does not change driver licensing rules generally, but instead expands the state’s specialty plate program to include this university-themed plate. The bill also includes a constitutional compliance clause requiring a two-thirds vote in both chambers, and it sets an effective date of January 1, 2027.
Impact
If enacted, HB 1073 would amend O.C.G.A. § 40-2-86 to authorize a new specialty license plate for Jackson State University and create a designated recipient for proceeds from plate sales. The practical effect would be to add another optional plate design for motorists and to channel associated funds to the Jackson State University National Alumni Association Inc., Metro Atlanta Chapter, rather than to the state’s general fund alone or another existing beneficiary. It would take effect on January 1, 2027, and would supersede any conflicting laws.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes in the provided materials, the bill appears to be noncontroversial and routine in nature. The proposal is framed as a commemorative specialty plate measure, which typically attracts limited opposition because it offers a voluntary option for motorists while supporting a named organization. No recorded floor or committee sentiment is available in the supplied context.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided transcripts or voting history. The only notable procedural issue is the constitutional requirement that the bill receive a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate because it creates a specialty plate with a designated revenue recipient. Any substantive concern would likely center on whether the plate program should be expanded and whether proceeds should be directed to the Jackson State University National Alumni Association’s Metro Atlanta Chapter, but no opposition is shown in the materials provided.