Bill > S01798

This bill establishes a new type of specialty license plate in New York specifically for epilepsy awareness, which drivers can request by paying the standard registration fee plus an additional $25 annual service charge. The funds collected from these specialized license plates will be deposited into a newly created "epilepsy awareness fund," which will support research and education programs related to epilepsy. The bill requires the New York State Department of Health to develop and implement a comprehensive epilepsy research and education program, which includes promoting scientific investigations into the causes, prevention, and treatment of epilepsy, as well as developing patient education programs designed to raise awareness and provide information about seizure recognition and first aid. Before the plates can be produced, the Department of Motor Vehicles must either receive at least 200 pre-orders for the plates or secure a $6,000 surety bond. The bill also specifies that the funds collected will be used exclusively for epilepsy-related research and educational initiatives approved by the state health department, with a goal of ensuring that all funds are expended within the fiscal year they are collected. The implementation of the license plates and associated fund will take effect 90 days after the bill becomes law.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1798