Bill > S1596

Introduced Session

This bill authorizes the creation of Juneteenth commemorative license plates by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). The license plates are to cost $50 for the initial application and $10 annually thereafter for renewal, in addition to other registration fees. Monies collected from the license plate program are to be deposited in a special fund called the "Juneteenth License Plate Fund." The monies deposited in the fund are to be appropriated annually to the New Jersey Historical Commission and are to be used by the New Jersey Historical Commission to commemorate and celebrate Juneteenth. The bill provides that public funds are not to be used for the initial costs of establishing the Juneteenth license plate program. Prior to deposit in the Juneteenth License Plate Fund, monies from the license plate program are to be provided to the MVC to offset the costs of implementing the license plate program. In addition, prior to designing, producing, issuing, or publicizing the availability of Juneteenth license plates, or making any necessary programming changes, the following requirements are required to be met: (1) an individual or entity designated by the New Jersey Historical Commission must provide the MVC with the non-public monies necessary to offset the initial costs incurred by the MVC in establishing the Juneteenth license plate program; and (2) a liaison appointed by the New Jersey Historical Commission pursuant to the bill is required to provide the MVC with not less than 500 completed applications for Juneteenth license plates. Juneteenth is a State and federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans and is often observed as a celebration of African-American culture. Originating in Galveston, Texas, it has been celebrated annually on June 19 in various parts of the United States since 1865.

Committee Categories

Andrew Zwicker (D)*,  Teresa Ruiz (D), 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Transportation Committee (on 01/09/2024)

Official Document