Bill > HB849

This bill establishes a special motorcycle license plate design aimed at promoting motorcycle safety and awareness in Montana. Motorcycle owners can obtain these plates, which will have a black background and feature a design recognizing Montana-based nonprofit organizations dedicated to motorcycle rider safety. When applying for the special plate, residents must pay a $5 administrative fee to the county (which goes to the county general fund), a $5 license plate fee, and a $20 donation fee. The $5 license plate fee will be deposited in the state general fund, while the $20 donation will be placed in a state special revenue fund managed by the Department of Transportation. The Department of Transportation will then use these funds to provide grants to Montana-based nonprofit organizations that promote motorcycle safety awareness and education, using criteria established by the department. The bill also updates the statutory appropriations list to include this new funding mechanism and specifies that the special motorcycle license plates will become available starting January 1, 2026. By creating this specialized license plate program, the bill aims to raise awareness about motorcycle safety and provide financial support to organizations working to improve rider education and safety.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC3880