This bill, H.F. No. 1260, introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives, proposes an amendment to Minnesota Statutes 2024, Section 168.12, to authorize the issuance of special license plates for firefighters who are also certified emergency medical technicians (EMTs), advanced EMTs, or paramedics.

Key Provisions:

1. Eligibility Requirements:

   • Applicant must be certified as an EMT, advanced EMT, or paramedic by the Office of Emergency Medical Services and be in good standing.
     
   • Applicant must be an active member of a fire department, as confirmed by a letter from the fire chief.
     
   • Must own a passenger automobile, one-ton pickup truck, or motorcycle.
     
   • Must pay the fee for special plates and other required registration taxes.

2. Design & Use of Plates:

   • The commissioner of motor vehicles will design a distinct emblem for the new plates, separate from existing firefighter and volunteer ambulance attendant plates.
     
   • Plates may only be used while the individual remains a certified EMT/paramedic and an active firefighter.
     

3. Plate Removal and Transfer:

   • If an individual no longer meets the eligibility criteria or transfers vehicle ownership, the special plates must be removed.
     
   • The commissioner will invalidate the plates upon written notification of ineligibility.
     
   • A $5 fee applies for transferring plates to another qualifying vehicle owned by the same person.

4. Fee Allocation:

   • Fees collected for these plates will be deposited into the Driver and Vehicle Services Operating Account.

5. Rulemaking Authority:

   • The commissioner is authorized to adopt rules to regulate the issuance and use of the plates.

The bill has been referred to the Committee on Transportation Finance and Policy for further consideration.