Modifies provisions relating to special personalized license plates
HB 2813 revises Missouri law governing special personalized license plates. The bill repeals and reenacts section 301.144 to change the special personalized plate fee structure so that the additional $50 charge applies only when a plate is initially issued or reissued, rather than being collected annually on renewal of an existing plate. It also preserves the existing application process, plate standards, and the director of revenue’s authority to establish rules, deadlines, and procedures for issuance.
The bill continues to allow personalized plates for eligible vehicles, including special categories such as amateur radio plates, and it maintains restrictions on offensive, obscene, or unsafe plate combinations. It also preserves the three-year replacement cycle for plates without an additional charge beyond the required fee, and it keeps priority for current plate holders who timely renew their applications. The measure further retains provisions for temporary permits when needed and for recall and reissuance of plates that violate content standards.
HB 2813 would affect section 301.144 of the Missouri Revised Statutes and primarily impacts vehicle owners who obtain personalized plates, the Department of Revenue, and applicants for category-specific plates such as amateur radio plates. By shifting the $50 fee to initial issuance or reissuance only, the bill would reduce recurring costs for existing plate holders and change how revenue from personalized plates is collected.
The available context shows little recorded debate or formal voting history, so the overall sentiment appears neutral to mildly favorable toward reducing fees and simplifying renewal costs. Because there are no committee transcripts or votes provided, there is no documented opposition in the record here. The main policy point of contention, if any, would likely be the loss of annual fee revenue versus the benefit to motorists who keep personalized plates.
Overall, the bill is a targeted administrative and fee-change measure rather than a broad policy overhaul. It preserves the state’s control over personalized plate content and issuance while making the fee apply only at the start of a plate’s life cycle or upon reissuance, with a specific exemption retained for qualifying retired military personnel.
HB 2813 amends section 301.144, RSMo, to change the special personalized license plate fee from an annual renewal charge to a one-time charge at initial issuance or reissuance. It would alter the Department of Revenue’s fee collection practices, reduce ongoing costs for plate holders, and preserve existing statutory authority over plate design, application procedures, content restrictions, and special categories such as amateur radio plates and repossessed-vehicle placards.
No committee transcript or vote record is provided, so there is no documented floor or committee debate to gauge. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears generally favorable to motorists who use personalized plates because it lowers recurring fees, while remaining administratively straightforward for the Department of Revenue. The available record does not show organized opposition, though the fee reduction could raise revenue concerns.
The likely point of contention is fiscal: the bill would reduce recurring revenue by eliminating the annual $50 personalized-plate fee for existing plates and limiting the charge to initial issuance or reissuance. Any opposition would likely come from those concerned about lost state revenue or administrative changes, while support would likely come from vehicle owners, personalized-plate users, and groups benefiting from lower renewal costs. The bill also preserves content-based restrictions on plate messages, but no specific controversy on that issue is shown in the record.