SF3953

Purpose

To expand who can obtain Minnesota agriculture special plates by updating the rules for issuing these plates and tying plate issuance to specific financial and regulatory requirements.

Main Provisions

• Eligibility for issuance: The commissioner must issue Minnesota agriculture special plates or a single motorcycle plate to an applicant who is a registered owner of any of the following vehicle types: passenger automobile, noncommercial 1-ton pickup, motorcycle, farm truck, or recreational vehicle.
• Fees: For each set of plates, the applicant must pay the fee amount specified under section 168.12 subdivision 5, along with any other fees required by this chapter.
• Taxes: The applicant must pay the registration tax as required under section 168.013 or 168.018.
• annual contribution: The applicant must contribute a minimum of $20 each year to the Minnesota agriculture account.
• Compliance: The applicant must comply with this chapter and the rules governing registration of motor vehicles and licensing of drivers.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Modifies Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 168.1285 subdivision 1 to broaden the vehicle classes eligible for Minnesota agriculture special plates.
• Establishes an annual financial contribution (minimum $20) to the Minnesota agriculture account as part of plate issuance.
• Clarifies that plate issuance is conditioned on payment of applicable fees and taxes and on compliance with registration and licensing rules.

Effects and Implications

• Increases ongoing funding for the Minnesota agriculture account through the mandatory annual contribution.
• Makes Minnesota agriculture special plates available to a wider range of vehicle owners (including passenger cars, noncommercial 1-ton pickups, motorcycles, farm trucks, and recreational vehicles) and includes a provision for a single motorcycle plate.
• Reinforces the financial and regulatory responsibilities tied to obtaining and keeping the special plates.

Terminology and Phrases to Note (Key terms from the bill)

• Minnesota agriculture special plates
• Minnesota agriculture account
• registration tax
• section 168.12 subdivision 5
• section 168.013
• section 168.018
• passenger automobile
• noncommercial 1-ton pickup
• motorcycle
• farm truck
• recreational vehicle
• issuance of plates
• fees
• compliance with this chapter and rules

Relevant Terms - Minnesota agriculture special plates - Minnesota agriculture account - issuance of plates - fees - registration tax - passenger automobile - noncommercial 1-ton pickup - motorcycle - farm truck - recreational vehicle - section 168.12 subdivision 5 - section 168.013 - section 168.018