HB5486eng 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HB5486 Engrossed LRB098 16087 MLW 51142 b

AN ACT concerning vehicles.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Illinois Vehicle Code is amended by adding Section 699.14 as follows:

(625 ILCS 5/699.14 new)

Sec. 699.14. Yellow Ribbon license plates.

(a) Legislative Finding. Since as early as the Civil War, the Yellow Ribbon has been a symbol of remembrance for men and women who serve their country far away from home. The Yellow Ribbon represents our longing and devotion for our loved ones, who risk their lives for our freedom, to safely return home; and our dedication to continue to serve and honor our heroes upon their return. A portion of the revenues generated from the Yellow Ribbon plate will be deposited into the Illinois Veterans Assistance Fund to ensure continued commitment to support our men and women who bravely lay their lives on the line for our freedoms.

(b) The Secretary, upon receipt of all applicable fees and applications made in the form prescribed by the Secretary, may issue special registration plates designated as Yellow Ribbon license plates. The special plates issued under this Section shall be affixed only to passenger vehicles of the first division or motor vehicles of the second division weighing not more than 8,000 pounds. Plates issued under this Section shall expire according to the multi-year procedure established by Section 3-414.1 of this Code.

(c) The design and color of the special plates shall be wholly within the discretion of the Secretary. The Secretary may, in his or her discretion, allow the plates to be issued as vanity or personalized plates in accordance with Section 3-405.1 of this Code. The plates are not required to designate "Land of Lincoln", as prescribed in subsection (b) of Section 3-412 of this Code. The Secretary, in his or her discretion, shall approve and prescribe stickers or decals as provided under Section 3-412.

(d) An applicant for the special plate shall be charged a $20 fee for original issuance in addition to the appropriate registration fee. Of this fee, $5 shall be deposited into the Illinois Veterans Assistance Fund and $15 shall be deposited into the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund, to be used by the Secretary to help defray the administrative processing costs. For each registration renewal period, a $20 fee, in addition to the appropriate registration fee, shall be charged. Of this fee, $18 shall be deposited into the Illinois Veterans Assistance Fund and $2 shall be deposited into the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.