AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-56.535, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO EXTEND THE AUTHORIZATION PERIOD FOR THE ISSUANCE OF DISTINCTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE TAGS TO SUPPORTERS OF WILDLIFE MISSISSIPPI; TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF ALTERNATIVE DISTINCTIVE TAGS TO SUPPORTERS OF WILDLIFE MISSISSIPPI; TO PROVIDE THAT SUCH ALTERNATIVE TAGS SHALL HAVE A BLACK BACKGROUND AND A WHITE PINSTRIPE BORDER, AND SHALL HAVE "MISSISSIPPI" PRINTED AT THE TOP, AND "WILDLIFE MISSISSIPPI" PRINTED AT THE BOTTOM; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-44, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT, BEFORE EITHER TAG MAY BE ISSUED, WILDLIFE MISSISSIPPI MUST SUBMIT PROOF SATISFACTORY TO THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE THAT AT LEAST 100 OF SUCH TAGS WILL BE PURCHASED AND MUST DEPOSIT WITH THE DEPARTMENT AN AMOUNT NECESSARY TO PURCHASE 100 OF SUCH TAGS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
Impact
The bill stipulates that any resident owner of a motor vehicle can apply for these distinctive tags by paying the requisite road and bridge taxes, ad valorem taxes, registration fees, and an additional fee for the tag itself. The proceeds from these tags significantly benefit Wildlife Mississippi, ensuring that a portion of the collected fee (specifically $24 out of the $30 additional fee) is allocated to support this organization. This funding mechanism could potentially enhance the programs and initiatives Wildlife Mississippi engages in, furthering its mission in environmental conservation and wildlife support.
Summary
Senate Bill 2883 seeks to amend Mississippi Code Section 27-19-56.535 by extending the authorization period for the issuance of distinctive motor vehicle license tags to supporters of Wildlife Mississippi. The bill aims to offer alternative distinctive license tags that feature a specified design — a black background with a white pinstripe border, and the texts 'Mississippi' and 'Wildlife Mississippi' prominently displayed. These tags will be available beginning from the registration year starting after July 1, 2024, with the alternative tags available from the registration year starting after July 1, 2027.
Contention
A notable requirement established by the bill mandates that Wildlife Mississippi must provide proof of at least 100 tag purchases before the issuance of either type of license tag. This condition is intended to ensure demand for the tags but could draw scrutiny regarding its feasibility. Moreover, should the number of tags issued fall below a hundred within the license tag series, they may be discontinued. This stipulation raises questions about sustainability and ongoing support for the initiative in the long term.