Vehicles: fund-raising registration plates; fund-raising registration plate for spay and neuter clinics; create. Amends 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.1 - 257.923) by adding sec. 811kk.
Summary
SB 106 would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to authorize the Secretary of State to create and issue a new fundraising license plate tied to animal welfare. The plate would be designed in conjunction with the Michigan Pet Alliance and would be intended to raise awareness and funds for efforts addressing companion animal overpopulation, including support for the humane care and health care of homeless and abused animals in shelters and rescues.
The bill also creates the Protecting Michigan’s Pets Fund in the state treasury. Money from the sale of the special plate, along with any other deposits, interest, or earnings, would be credited to that fund and held without lapsing to the general fund at the end of the fiscal year. The State Treasurer would administer and invest the fund, and would disburse the money quarterly to the Michigan Pet Alliance.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would add a new section 811kk to the Michigan Vehicle Code and expand the state’s special fundraising plate program. It would create a dedicated treasury fund for proceeds from the plate and establish a statutory mechanism for collecting, investing, and distributing those proceeds to the Michigan Pet Alliance. The practical effect would be to channel state-administered charitable revenue toward animal spay/neuter and shelter-related services, while giving the Secretary of State and Treasurer new responsibilities related to plate design, fund administration, and transfers.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests the bill had meaningful support but was not unanimous. It was reported favorably out of committee by an 8-2 vote and then passed the Senate on third reading by a 24-12 roll call. That pattern indicates generally positive sentiment toward the bill’s animal welfare goals, while also showing a notable minority of opposition or reservations.
Contention
The main point of contention appears to be whether the state should create another specialty fundraising plate and dedicated fund for a private nonprofit partner, even for a broadly supported cause like animal welfare. Supporters likely viewed the bill as a practical way to raise money for spay/neuter clinics, shelters, and rescue services, while opponents may have questioned the need for a new plate, the administrative structure, or the use of state mechanisms to direct funds to the Michigan Pet Alliance. The split votes indicate some disagreement over the policy approach rather than the underlying issue of animal overpopulation.