NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Revenue Decreases)

Relates to HB673, HB822, HB909, SB265, SB740 and SB771

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Taxation and Revenue Department (TRD)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 672 enacts a new section to the Motor Vehicle Code to allow the Motor Vehicle Division of the Taxation and Revenue Department to issue a distinctive motorcycle registration plate to a disabled person who requests one for use on a motorcycle owned by such a disabled person at no additional charge other than the regular motorcycle registration fee. This bill also allows a special motorcycle registration plant issued to a disabled person by another state or foreign jurisdiction to be honored until the person established residency in this state. The provisions of this bill are effective July 1, 2001.

Significant Issues

The disabled person must prove satisfactorily to TRD that he has suffered the loss, or the complete and total loss of use of, one or both legs at or above the ankle or of one or both arms at or above the wrist.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

It is not expected that state or local revenue sources would be significantly affected by the requirements contained in this bill, although for a few motorcycles no additional fees would be collected.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

The administrative impacts of the proposed measure are expected to be minimal. Currently, TRD registers approximately 28,000 motorcycles annually at a cost of $14 per registration. It is estimated the individuals who would be eligible to request a special plate would be very small-less than one percent of the total number of motorcycle registrations. TRD reports computer systems changes would impose opportunity cost to other system initiatives and enhancements.

RELATIONSHIP

The following other bills have been introduced that allow for special vehicle or motorcycle plates for the following purposes:

HB 673: armed forces veterans

HB 822: national guard

HB 909: EMT & FOP

SB 265: fraternal lodges

SB 740: retired national guard

SB 771: retired firefighters

TECHNICAL ISSUES

The Taxation and Revenue Department reports the following technical issues:

1) The proposal should reference Section 3-51-46 (Passenger motor vehicle of disabled person; parking privilege) to allow disabled individuals to park in handicapped parking places.

2) Simply amending Section 66-3-16A. NMSA 1978 from: "The division shall issue distinctive registration plates to any disabled person..." to "The division shall issue distinctive registration plates, including motorcycle plates, to any disabled person..." would accomplish essentially the same objectives at the proposed measure. However, use of placards may not be convenient on motorcycles.

3) If Section 66-3-16A is not amended as suggested above, additional provisions should probably be added to the proposal, including provisions for requiring a physician's statement pertaining to disability status (66-3-16F), conditions warranting disability status (66-3-16G) and treatment of special plates issued by other states (66-3-16H).

JMG/njw