Bill > SB324

This bill revises vehicle registration fees and creates new state special revenue accounts to allocate those fees. For vehicles with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) over $200,000, the bill introduces a new tiered fee structure starting January 1, 2026, where the first year of registration will include a fee of 1% of the vehicle's MSRP. The bill establishes three new special revenue accounts: a victims of crime account that will receive $2 million annually to fund services related to victims of crime, a better local bridge fund to provide grants for local bridge projects, and modifications to an existing highway patrol expenses account. The legislation also changes how the collected fees are distributed, with percentages allocated to different accounts varying between fiscal years. For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and subsequent years, the bill specifies different percentages of the MSRP-based fees to be deposited in various accounts, including the highway patrol, motor vehicle division, and new bridge fund accounts. Additionally, the bill includes a provision for annual 2% inflation adjustments to the MSRP thresholds starting January 1, 2027, and transfers $50 million from the general fund to the better local bridge fund account. The bill aims to provide dedicated funding for specific state services while adjusting vehicle registration fee structures.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0449