2001 Montana Legislature

About Bill -- Links

SENATE BILL NO. 393

INTRODUCED BY F. THOMAS, BECK, BERRY, COCCHIARELLA, DEPRATU, DOHERTY, GROSFIELD, HARGROVE, HARRINGTON, JERGESON, JUNEAU, KEANE, KITZENBERG, LENHART, MCGEE, MCNUTT, TESTER, SLITER, WITT

Montana State Seal

AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE DESIGN, MANUFACTURE, AND ISSUANCE OF LEWIS AND CLARK BICENTENNIAL LICENSE PLATES; PROVIDING FOR DISPOSITION OF THE PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF THE PLATES; SPECIFYING THAT THE USE OF THE PROCEEDS MUST BE APPROVED BY THE LEWIS AND CLARK BICENTENNIAL COMMISSION; ALLOWING THE COMMISSION TO OBTAIN A LOAN FROM THE BOARD OF INVESTMENTS; STATUTORILY APPROPRIATING PROCEEDS TO THE COMMISSION; APPROPRIATING $480,000 FROM THE GENERAL FUND TO THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS FOR MANUFACTURE OF THE LICENSE PLATES; AMENDING SECTIONS 2-15-150, 17-7-502, 61-3-332, AND 61-3-403, MCA; AND PROVIDING AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE, AN APPLICABILITY DATE, AND A TERMINATION DATE.



BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:



     Section 1.  Short title. [Sections 1 through 7] may be cited as the "Lewis and Clark Bicentennial License Plate Act".



     Section 2.  Lewis and Clark bicentennial license plates. The department shall:

     (1) design, cause to be manufactured, and issue Lewis and Clark bicentennial license plates, as provided in [sections 3 through 7], and subject to the requirements in 61-3-332(4);

     (2) prescribe the color and design of the Lewis and Clark bicentennial license plates after consultation with the Lewis and Clark bicentennial commission established under 2-15-150;

     (3) use a numbering system for Lewis and Clark bicentennial license plates that is distinctive from the numbering system required under 61-3-332 or used for collegiate plates; and

     (4) provide nonremovable stickers bearing the appropriate county designation as provided in 61-3-332. The stickers must be affixed to the license plates in use in accordance with instructions provided by the department.

     



     Section 3.  Application for Lewis and Clark bicentennial license plates. An applicant for new or renewal Lewis and Clark bicentennial license plates shall apply in the form and by the date that the department requires.



     Section 4.  Issuance -- fees -- disposition. (1) Subject to [section 7] and subsection (6) of this section, the department shall issue new Lewis and Clark bicentennial license plates upon the receipt of an application that shows:

     (a) compliance with 61-3-303, 61-3-311, and 61-3-312; and

     (b) payment to the county treasurer of $30 for the original purchase of the plates.

     (2) Upon receipt of an original application for Lewis and Clark bicentennial license plates and payment of the $30 fee, the county treasurer shall:

     (a) deposit $2 in the county general fund;

     (b) remit $8 for deposit in the state general fund; and

     (c) remit to the state treasurer $20 for deposit in the state special revenue account established in 2-15-150 for the Lewis and Clark bicentennial commission.

     (3) The department shall issue renewal Lewis and Clark bicentennial license plates upon the receipt of an application that shows compliance with 61-3-303, 61-3-311, and 61-3-312 and payment to the county treasurer of a $20 renewal fee.

     (4) Upon subsequent annual renewal of registration, the county treasurer shall remit all of the $20 renewal fee to the state treasurer for deposit as provided in subsection (2)(c).

     (5) Unless otherwise specifically exempted, the Lewis and Clark bicentennial license plates are subject to the same rules and laws as govern the issuance of regular license plates, must be placed or mounted on a vehicle owned by the person who is eligible to receive them, and must be removed upon sale or other disposition of the vehicle. If during a registration year prior to 2007 the holder of license plates issued under this section disposes of the vehicle to which the plates are affixed, the holder may retain the plates and affix them to another vehicle.

     (6) A person who receives and renews Lewis and Clark bicentennial license plates under this section is liable for payment of all taxes and fees required under parts 3, 4, and 5 of this chapter in addition to the fees required under subsections (2) and (3).



     Section 5.  Revenue distribution -- use of funds. (1) The Lewis and Clark bicentennial commission shall establish the criteria that entities or organizations must meet in order to receive proceeds from the special revenue account established in 2-15-150, and the commission may distribute the money in a manner and in any amount that it determines appropriate.

     (2) The Lewis and Clark bicentennial commission may retain any amount of money collected in the special revenue account that it determines necessary to fulfill its responsibilities and carry out the activities provided in 2-15-150.

     (3) Entities receiving funds under this section may not use the funds for purposes other than those prescribed by the Lewis and Clark bicentennial commission and subject to 2-15-150.

     (4) Proceeds from license plate sales and proceeds from any loan from the board of investments that are received in the special revenue account established in 2-15-150 are statutorily appropriated, as provided in 17-7-502, to the Lewis and Clark bicentennial commission.



     Section 6.  Personalized Lewis and Clark bicentennial license plates. (1) Subject to the provisions of 61-3-405 and 61-3-406, an application for Lewis and Clark bicentennial license plates may be combined with an application for personalized license plates.

     (2) An application for personalized plates must be made on a form supplied by the department.

     (3) Personalized Lewis and Clark bicentennial license plates must bear the distinctive color and design as provided in [section 2].



     Section 7.  Continued use and replacement authorized. (1) A person who owns and displays Lewis and Clark bicentennial license plates on a motor vehicle on or before December 31, 2006, may continue to display the plates on the vehicle after that date as long as the plates remain legible or as long as replacement plates are available from the department, whichever is later.

     (2) The department shall authorize the continued display of Lewis and Clark bicentennial license plates after December 31, 2006, as provided for in subsection (1), and shall replace the plates for individuals who owned and displayed the plates on or before December 31, 2006, as long as replacement stock owned by the department remains available and usable.



     Section 8.  Section 2-15-150, MCA, is amended to read:

     "2-15-150.  (Temporary) Lewis and Clark bicentennial commission -- membership -- purpose -- account. (1) There is a Lewis and Clark bicentennial commission.

     (2)  The commission consists of 12 members, as follows:

     (a)  nine members who must be appointed by the governor, at least three of whom must be enrolled members of a Montana Indian tribe and live on a Montana Indian reservation, who shall serve 3-year staggered terms, who shall represent Montana's different geographical areas, and who must have an interest in the history of the Lewis and Clark expedition;

     (b)  the director of the Montana historical society, established in 22-3-101;

     (c)  the administrator of the parks division within the department of fish, wildlife, and parks, established in 2-15-3401; and

     (d)  the director of travel Montana.

     (3)  The commission is responsible for coordinating and promoting observance of Montana's bicentennial commemoration of the Lewis and Clark expedition and the importance of the roles played by Montana's Indian people to the Lewis and Clark expedition. The commission may:

     (a)  cooperate with national, regional, statewide, and local events promoting the bicentennial;

     (b)  plan and coordinate or assist in planning and coordinating bicentennial events;

     (c)  engage in fundraising activities, including revenue-earning enterprises and the solicitation of grants, gifts, and donations;

     (d)  promote public education concerning the Lewis and Clark expedition and the history and culture of Montana's Indian people at the time of the Lewis and Clark expedition; and

     (e)  perform other related duties.

     (4)  (a) The Lewis and Clark bicentennial commission is authorized to enter into contracts, loan agreements, or other forms of indebtedness with the board of investments for an amount not to exceed $3 million, payable over a term not to exceed 6 years, for the purposes identified in subsection (3).

     (b)  The Lewis and Clark bicentennial commission shall pledge to the repayment of any indebtedness the proceeds from the sale of Lewis and Clark bicentennial license plates as provided in [sections 1 through 7].

     (c)  The proceeds of any loan from the board of investments to the Lewis and Clark bicentennial commission must be deposited in the account established in subsection (5).

     (4)(5)  There is a Montana Lewis and Clark bicentennial account. Money in the account may include money from revenue-earning enterprises, grants, gifts, or donations, money appropriated by the legislature, and interest earned on the account. Account funds must be used for the purposes described in this section.

     (5)(6)  The commission is attached to the Montana historical society for administrative purposes only as provided in 2-15-121. (Terminates December 31, 2007--sec. 2, Ch. 428, L. 1997.)"



     Section 9.  Section 17-7-502, MCA, is amended to read:

     "17-7-502.  Statutory appropriations -- definition -- requisites for validity. (1) A statutory appropriation is an appropriation made by permanent law that authorizes spending by a state agency without the need for a biennial legislative appropriation or budget amendment.

     (2)  Except as provided in subsection (4), to be effective, a statutory appropriation must comply with both of the following provisions:

     (a)  The law containing the statutory authority must be listed in subsection (3).

     (b)  The law or portion of the law making a statutory appropriation must specifically state that a statutory appropriation is made as provided in this section.

     (3)  The following laws are the only laws containing statutory appropriations: 2-17-105; 3-5-901; 5-13-403; 10-3-203; 10-3-310; 10-3-312; 10-3-314; 10-4-301; 15-1-111; 15-23-706; 15-31-702; 15-34-115; 15-35-108; 15-36-324; 15-37-117; 15-38-202; 15-65-121; 15-70-101; 16-1-404; 16-1-406; 16-1-411; 17-3-106; 17-3-212; 17-3-222; 17-6-101; 17-7-304; 18-11-112; 19-3-319; 19-6-709; 19-9-702; 19-13-604; 19-17-301; 19-18-512; 19-19-305; 19-19-506; 19-20-604; 20-8-107; 20-26-1503; 22-3-1004; 23-5-136; 23-5-306; 23-5-409; 23-5-610; 23-5-612; 23-5-631; 23-7-301; 23-7-402; 37-43-204; 37-51-501; 39-71-503; 42-2-105; 44-12-206; 44-13-102; 50-4-623; 53-6-703; 53-24-206; [section 5]; 67-3-205; 75-1-1101; 75-5-1108; 75-6-214; 75-11-313; 77-1-505; 80-2-222; 80-4-416; 80-11-518; 81-5-111; 82-11-161; 87-1-513; 90-3-1003; 90-6-710; and 90-9-306.

     (4)  There is a statutory appropriation to pay the principal, interest, premiums, and costs of issuing, paying, and securing all bonds, notes, or other obligations, as due, that have been authorized and issued pursuant to the laws of Montana. Agencies that have entered into agreements authorized by the laws of Montana to pay the state treasurer, for deposit in accordance with 17-2-101 through 17-2-107, as determined by the state treasurer, an amount sufficient to pay the principal and interest as due on the bonds or notes have statutory appropriation authority for the payments. (In subsection (3): pursuant to sec. 7, Ch. 567, L. 1991, the inclusion of 19-6-709 terminates upon death of last recipient eligible for supplemental benefit; pursuant to Ch. 422, L. 1997, the inclusion of 15-1-111 terminates on July 1, 2008, which is the date that section is repealed; pursuant to sec. 10, Ch. 360, L. 1999, the inclusion of 19-20-604 terminates when the amortization period for the teachers' retirement system's unfunded liability is 10 years or less; pursuant to sec. 4, Ch. 497, L. 1999, the inclusion of 15-38-202 terminates July 1, 2014; and pursuant to sec. 10(2), Ch. 10, Sp. L. May 2000, the inclusion of 15-35-108 and 90-6-710 terminates June 30, 2005.)"



     Section 10.  Section 61-3-332, MCA, is amended to read:

     "61-3-332.  Number plates. (1) A motor vehicle that is driven upon the streets or highways of Montana must display both front and rear number plates, bearing the distinctive number assigned to the vehicle. The number plates are in 10 series: one series for owners of motorcars, one for owners of motor vehicles of the motorcycle or quadricycle type, one for trailers, one for trucks, one for dealers in vehicles of the motorcycle or quadricycle type that bears the distinctive letters "MCD" or the letters "MC" and the word "DEALER", one for franchised dealers in new motorcars (including trucks and trailers) or new and used motorcars (including trucks and trailers) that bears the distinctive letter "D" or the word "DEALER", one for dealers in used motorcars only (including used trucks and trailers) that bears the distinctive letters "UD" or the letter "U" and the word "DEALER", one for dealers in trailers and/or semitrailers (new or used) that bears the distinctive letters "DTR" or the letters "TR" and the word "DEALER", one for dealers in recreational vehicles that bears the distinctive letters "RV" or the letter "R" and the word "DEALER", and one for special license plates. All markings for the various kinds of dealers' plates must be placed on the number plates assigned to the dealer, in the position that the department designates.

     (2)  (a) All number plates for motor vehicles must be issued for a maximum period of 4 years, bear a distinctive marking, and be furnished by the state department. In years when number plates are not issued, the department shall provide nonremovable stickers bearing appropriate registration numbers that must be affixed to the license plates in use.

     (b)  For light vehicles that are permanently registered as provided in 61-3-527 or 61-3-562, the department shall provide distinctive nonremovable stickers indicating that the vehicle is permanently registered. The stickers must be affixed to the license plates in use.

     (3)  (a) Subject to the provisions of this section, the department shall create a new design for number plates as provided in this section, and it shall manufacture the newly designed number plates for issuance after December 31, 1999, to replace at renewal, as required in 61-3-312 and 61-3-314, number plates that were displayed on motor vehicles before that date.

     (b)  Beginning January 1, 2000, the department shall manufacture and issue new number plates every 4 years.

     (4)  In the case of motorcars and trucks, plates must be of metal 6 inches wide and 12 inches in length. The Except for Lewis and Clark bicentennial license plates authorized in [section 2], the outline of the state of Montana must be used as a distinctive border on the license plates, and the word "Montana" and the year must be placed across the plates. Registration plates must be treated with a reflectorized background material according to specifications prescribed by the department.

     (5)  The distinctive registration numbers must begin with a number one or with a letter-number combination, such as "A 1" or "AA 1", or any other similar combination of letters and numbers. The distinctive registration number or letter-number combination assigned to the vehicle must appear on the plate preceded by the number of the county and appearing in horizontal order on the same horizontal baseline. The county number must be separated from the distinctive registration number by a separation mark unless a letter-number combination is used. The dimensions of the numerals and letters must be determined by the department, and all county and registration numbers must be of equal height.

     (6)  For the use of exempt motor vehicles and motor vehicles that are exempt from the registration fee as provided in 61-3-560(2)(a), in addition to the markings provided in this section, number plates must bear the following distinctive markings:

     (a)  For vehicles owned by the state, the department may designate the prefix number for the various state departments. All numbered plates issued to state departments must bear the words "State Owned", and a year number may not be indicated on the plates because these numbered plates are of a permanent nature and will be replaced by the department only when the physical condition of numbered plates requires it.

     (b)  For vehicles that are owned by the counties, municipalities, and special districts, as defined in 18-8-202, organized under the laws of Montana and not operating for profit, and that are used and operated by officials and employees in the line of duty and for vehicles on loan from the United States government or the state of Montana to, or owned by, the civil air patrol and used and operated by officials and employees in the line of duty, there must be placed on the number plates assigned, in a position that the department may designate, the letter "X" or the word "EXEMPT". Distinctive registration numbers for plates assigned to motor vehicles of each of the counties in the state and those of the municipalities and special districts that obtain plates within each county must begin with number one and be numbered consecutively. Because these number plates are of a permanent nature, they are subject to replacement by the department only when the physical condition of the number plates requires it and a year number may not be displayed on the number plates.

     (7)  On all number plates assigned to motor vehicles of the truck and trailer type, other than tax-exempt trucks and tax-exempt trailers, there must appear the letter "T" or the word "TRUCK" on plates assigned to trucks and the letters "TR" or the word "TRAILER" on plates assigned to trailers and housetrailers. The letters "MC" or the word "CYCLE" must appear on plates assigned to vehicles of the motorcycle or quadricycle type.

     (8)  Number plates issued to a passenger car, truck, trailer, or vehicle of the motorcycle or quadricycle type may be transferred only to a replacement passenger car, truck, trailer, or motorcycle- or quadricycle-type vehicle. A registration or license fee may not be assessed upon a transfer of a number plate under 61-3-317 and 61-3-335.

     (9)  For the purpose of this chapter, the several counties of the state are assigned numbers as follows: Silver Bow, 1; Cascade, 2; Yellowstone, 3; Missoula, 4; Lewis and Clark, 5; Gallatin, 6; Flathead, 7; Fergus, 8; Powder River, 9; Carbon, 10; Phillips, 11; Hill, 12; Ravalli, 13; Custer, 14; Lake, 15; Dawson, 16; Roosevelt, 17; Beaverhead, 18; Chouteau, 19; Valley, 20; Toole, 21; Big Horn, 22; Musselshell, 23; Blaine, 24; Madison, 25; Pondera, 26; Richland, 27; Powell, 28; Rosebud, 29; Deer Lodge, 30; Teton, 31; Stillwater, 32; Treasure, 33; Sheridan, 34; Sanders, 35; Judith Basin, 36; Daniels, 37; Glacier, 38; Fallon, 39; Sweet Grass, 40; McCone, 41; Carter, 42; Broadwater, 43; Wheatland, 44; Prairie, 45; Granite, 46; Meagher, 47; Liberty, 48; Park, 49; Garfield, 50; Jefferson, 51; Wibaux, 52; Golden Valley, 53; Mineral, 54; Petroleum, 55; Lincoln, 56. Any new counties must be assigned numbers by the department as they may be formed, beginning with the number 57.

     (10) Each type of special license plate approved by the legislature, except collegiate license plates authorized in 61-3-463 and Lewis and Clark bicentennial license plates authorized in [section 2], must be a separate series of plates, numbered as provided in subsection (5), except that the county number must be replaced by a nonremovable design or decal designating the group or organization to which the applicant belongs. Unless otherwise specifically stated in this section, the special plates are subject to the same rules and laws as govern the issuance of regular license plates, must be placed or mounted on a vehicle owned by the person who is eligible to receive them, and must be removed upon sale or other disposition of the vehicle. The special license plates must be issued to national guard members, former prisoners of war, persons with disabilities, reservists, disabled veterans, survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack, veterans of the armed services, national guard veterans, legion of valor members, or veterans of the armed services who were awarded the purple heart medal, who comply with the following provisions:

     (a)  (i) An active member of the Montana national guard may be issued special license plates with a design or decal displaying the letters "NG". The adjutant general shall issue to each active member of the Montana national guard a certificate authorizing the department to issue national guard plates, numbered in sets of two with a different number on each set, and the member shall surrender the plates to the department upon becoming ineligible to use them.

     (ii) The department may issue national guard veteran plates, bearing a design or decal displaying the Montana national guard insignia and the words "National Guard veteran" and numbered in sets of two with a different number on each set, to an applicant who presents to the department a copy of certification of national guard retirement eligibility issued by the appropriate authorities for the applicant or the applicant's deceased spouse and who pays, in addition to all taxes and fees required by parts 3 and 5 of this chapter, a national guard veteran license plate fee of $10. The additional fee must be distributed in accordance with the provisions of subsection (10)(f)(iii) and (10)(f)(iv).

     (b)  An active member of the reserve armed forces of the United States of America who is a resident of this state may be issued special license plates with a design or decal displaying the following: United States army reserve, AR (symbol); United States naval reserve, NR (anchor); United States air force reserve, AFR (symbol); and United States marine corps reserve, MCR (globe and anchor). The commanding officer of each armed forces reserve unit shall issue to each eligible member of the reserve unit a certificate authorizing the issuance of special license plates, numbered in sets of two with a different number on each set. The member shall surrender the plates to the department upon becoming ineligible to use them.

     (c)  (i) A resident of Montana who is a veteran of the armed forces of the United States and who is 100% disabled because of an injury that has been determined by the department of veterans affairs to be service-connected may, upon presentation to the department of proof of the 100% disability, be issued:

     (A)  a special license plate under this section with a design or decal displaying the letters "DV"; or

     (B)  one set of any other military-related plates that the disabled veteran is eligible to receive under this section.

     (ii) The fee for original or renewal registration by a 100% disabled veteran for a passenger vehicle or a truck with a GVW-rated capacity of 1 ton or less is $5 and is in lieu of all other fees and taxes for that vehicle under this chapter.

     (iii) Special license plates issued to a disabled veteran are not transferable to another person.

     (iv) A disabled veteran is not entitled to a special disabled veteran's license plate for more than one vehicle.

     (v)  A vehicle lawfully displaying a disabled veteran's plate and that is conveying a 100% disabled veteran is entitled to the parking privileges allowed a person with a disability's vehicle under this title.

     (d)  A Montana resident who is a veteran of the armed forces of the United States and was captured and held prisoner by a military force of a foreign nation, documented by the veteran's service record, may upon application and presentation of proof be issued special license plates, numbered in sets of two with a different number on each set, with a design or decal displaying the words "ex-prisoner of war" or an abbreviation that the department considers appropriate.

     (i)  Fees required under 61-3-321(1) and (5) may not be assessed upon one set of license plates issued to an ex-prisoner of war under this subsection (10)(d).

     (ii) A special license plate fee may not be assessed upon one set of special license plates issued to an ex-prisoner of war under this subsection (10)(d).

     (iii) An ex-prisoner of war is exempt from the registration fees imposed under 61-3-560 through 61-3-562 light vehicle taxes imposed under 61-3-504 for one vehicle that displays a set of ex-prisoner of war license plates.

     (iv) A surviving spouse of an ex-prisoner of war may retain the special license plates that have been issued to the ex-prisoner of war if the spouse complies with the provisions of 61-3-457.

     (e)  Except as provided in subsections (10)(c) and (10)(d), upon payment of all taxes and fees required by parts 3 and 5 of this chapter and upon furnishing proof satisfactory to the department that the applicant meets the requirements of this subsection (10)(e), the department shall issue to a Montana resident who is a veteran of the armed services of the United States special license plates, numbered in sets of two with a different number on each set, designed to indicate that the applicant is a survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack if the applicant was a member of the United States armed forces on December 7, 1941, was on station on December 7, 1941, during the hours of 7:55 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (Hawaii time) at Pearl Harbor, the island of Oahu, or was offshore at a distance of not more than 3 miles, and received an honorable discharge from the United States armed forces. If special license plates issued under subsection (10)(d) and this subsection are lost, stolen, or mutilated, the recipient of the plates is entitled to replacement plates upon request and without charge.

     (f)  A motor vehicle owner and resident of this state who is a veteran or the surviving spouse of a veteran of the armed services of the United States may be issued license plates inscribed as provided in subsection (10)(f)(i) if the veteran was separated from the armed services under other than dishonorable circumstances or was awarded the purple heart medal:

     (i)  Upon submission of a department of defense form 214(DD-214) or its successor or documents showing an other-than-dishonorable discharge or a reenlistment, proper identification, and other relevant documents to show an applicant's qualification under this subsection, there must be issued to the applicant, in lieu of the regular license plates prescribed by law, special license plates numbered in sets of two with a different number on each set. The plates must display:

     (A)  the word "VETERAN" and a symbol signifying the United States army, United States navy, United States air force, United States marine corps, or United States coast guard, according to the record of service verified in the application; or

     (B)  a symbol representing the purple heart medal.

     (ii) Plates must be furnished by the department to the county treasurer, who shall issue them to a qualified veteran or to the veteran's surviving spouse. The plates must be placed or mounted on the vehicle owned by the veteran or the veteran's surviving spouse designated in the application and must be removed upon sale or other disposition of the vehicle.

     (iii) Except as provided in subsections (10)(c) and (10)(d), a veteran or surviving spouse who receives special license plates under this subsection (10)(f) is liable for payment of all taxes and fees required under parts 3 and 4 of this chapter and a special veteran's or purple heart medal license plate fee of $10. Upon an original application for a license under this subsection (10)(f), the county treasurer shall:

     (A)  deposit $3 of the special fee in the county general fund;

     (B)  remit $1 for deposit in the state general fund; and

     (C)  deposit the remainder of the special fee in the state special revenue account established in 10-2-603 for administration, construction, operation, and maintenance of the state veterans' cemeteries.

     (iv) Upon subsequent annual renewal of registration, the county treasurer shall deposit all of the special fee as provided in subsection (10)(f)(iii)(C).

     (g)  A Montana resident who is eligible to receive a special parking permit under 49-4-301 may, upon written application on a form prescribed by the department, be issued a special license plate with a design or decal bearing a representation of a wheelchair as the symbol of a person with a disability.

     (h)  The department may issue legion of valor license plates, bearing a design or decal depicting the recognized legion of valor medallion and numbered in sets of two with a different number on each set, to an applicant who presents to the department proper documentation of receipt of a legion of valor award by appropriate authorities to the applicant or the applicant's deceased spouse and who pays all taxes and fees required by parts 3 and 5 of this chapter.

     (11) The provisions of this section do not apply to a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer that is registered as part of a fleet, as defined in 61-3-712, and that is subject to the provisions of 61-3-711 through 61-3-733."



     Section 11.  Section 61-3-403, MCA, is amended to read:

     "61-3-403.  Color and design of personalized license plates -- exception exceptions -- county designation. (1) Except as provided in 61-3-466 or in [section 6], the personalized license plates must be the same color and design as regular passenger motor vehicle license plates and must consist of numbers or letters, or any combination thereof of numbers and letters, not exceeding eight positions and not less than two positions, provided that there are no conflicts with existing passenger, commercial, trailer, motorcycle, quadricycle, or special license plate series under this title.

     (2)  Upon the issuance of personalized license plates or upon the reregistration of any motor vehicle assigned personalized license plates that do not bear a county designation or no longer bear the correct county designation, the department shall provide nonremovable stickers bearing the appropriate county designation, which must be affixed to the license plates in use in accordance with instructions by the department."



     Section 12.  Appropriation. There is appropriated $480,000 from the general fund to the department of corrections for the biennium ending June 30, 2003, to provide for the manufacture of Lewis and Clark bicentennial license plates by the prison industries program.



     Section 13.  Notification to tribal governments. The secretary of state shall send a copy of [this act] to each tribal government located on the seven Montana reservations and to the Little Shell band of Chippewa.



     Section 14.  Codification instruction. [Sections 1 through 7] are intended to be codified as an integral part of Title 61, chapter 3, part 4, and the provisions of Title 61, chapter 3, part 4, apply to [sections 1 through 7].



     Section 15.  Effective date. [This act] is effective on passage and approval.



     Section 16.  Applicability. [This act] applies to registrations of motor vehicles occurring after December 31, 2001.



     Section 17.  Termination. [Sections 1 through 6 and 8 through 11] terminate December 31, 2006.

- END -




Latest Version of SB 393 (SB0393.ENR)
Processed for the Web on April 17, 2001 (8:57AM)

New language in a bill appears underlined, deleted material appears stricken.

Sponsor names are handwritten on introduced bills, hence do not appear on the bill until it is reprinted. See the status of this bill for the bill's primary sponsor.

Status of this Bill | 2001 Legislature | Leg. Branch Home
All versions of all bills(PDF Format)
Authorized print version w/line numbers (PDF format)

Prepared by Montana Legislative Services

(406)444-3064