NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended only 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 for other purposes.

The most recent FIR version (in HTML & Adobe PDF formats) is available on the Legislative Website. The Adobe PDF version includes all attachments, whereas the HTML version does not. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T

SPONSOR:	Jennings		DATE TYPED:	2/24/03		HB
SHORT TITLE:		License Plates for Retired State Police				SB	210
					ANALYST:		Wilson

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained		Estimated Additional Impact		Recurring or Non-Rec	Fund Affected
FY03	FY04	FY03	FY04
			Minimal	Recurring	OSF

Relates to various specialty license plates proposed by the House and Senate.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Responses Received From

Department of Public Safety (DPS)

No Response From

Taxation and Revenue Department (TRD)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 210 requires the Taxation and Revenue Department to issue special registration license plates to retired New Mexico state police officers upon the submission of proof that the individual requesting the plate is a retired New Mexico state police officer.

Significant Issues

The Legislature may wish to honor retired state police by issuing special license plates to them. The Department of Public Safety says the public acknowledgement of retired New Mexico state police officers would likely increase the morale of both present and former DPS employees.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

DPS is authorized to charge a fee of $10.00 in addition to the regular motor vehicle registration fee for the special registration plate for retired police officers. The fees shall be retained by TRD and is appropriated to TRD to defray the cost of making and issuing special registration plates.

DPS was unable to estimate how many retired state police officers will take advantage of the opportunity to purchase special license plates.

It is unclear whether demand would outweigh the costs of manufacturing the special license plates for the retired police officers.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

DPS personnel would be required to provide verification that a person is a retired New Mexico state police officer.

TRD will also require some staff resources to design and issue the license plates.

RELATIONSHIP

HB 75, Armed Forces Retirees Special License

HB 201, Special Plates for Retired Firefighters (duplicate of SB 496)

HB 378, Special Plates for Retired NM Letter Carriers

HB 379, Special Plates for Letter Carriers

HB 520, Special Plates for National Guard Members

HB 566, Special Plates for Supporting Spayed Pets

HB 602, Special Plates for Retired NM National Guard (duplicate of SB 622)

HB 635, Special Plates for NM Fraternal Order of Police

HB 656, Special Plates for Wildlife Artwork

HB 704, License Plates for Civil Air Patrol, New Mexico Wing

HB 760, Special Commemorative Route 66 License Plate (duplicate of SB 770)

SB 197, License Plate for Active Duty Servicemen

TECHNICAL ISSUES

DPS notes that SB 210 provides that the Secretary of TRD shall approve the final plate design for the special registration plates for the retired New Mexico state police officers. Under 29-2-14, only the DPS Secretary can authorize the marking of a motor vehicle with the State Police logo. To clarify SB 210, alternative language should indicate that the Secretary of TRD in conjunction with the Secretary of DPS, approve the final plate design if the final plate design uses any New Mexico state police markings or symbols.

DW/yr/njw