Bill > SB501

This bill establishes a new special Make-A-Wish New Mexico license plate program beginning January 1, 2026, which will allow motor vehicle owners to purchase a specialized registration plate supporting Make-A-Wish New Mexico for a $30 initial fee and $30 annual renewal fee. The revenue from these fees will be distributed as follows: $12 will be retained by the department to cover plate manufacturing and issuance costs, while $18 from the initial fee and the entire renewal fee will be appropriated to the department of health to fund screening, treatment, education, outreach, and awareness programs for children with life-threatening illnesses. The bill includes a provision that if the number of these special plates issued and renewed falls below 50% of the average between fiscal years 2026-2031, the department may discontinue issuing the plates after July 1, 2031. This legislation aims to provide financial support for Make-A-Wish New Mexico and raise awareness about children facing serious medical challenges by creating a specialized license plate option for New Mexico residents.