Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to encourage the promotion and support of solar pollinator programs and agrivoltaic solar sites in Minnesota by establishing a special license plate. These initiatives support renewable energy use and habitat conservation for pollinators.

Main Provisions

1. Issuance of Special License Plates:

   • Introduces "solar pollinator program" special license plates available for passenger automobiles, noncommercial one-ton pickup trucks, motorcycles, and recreational motor vehicles.
   • Applicants must pay standard fees plus an additional annual contribution of at least $60 to the Board of Water and Soil Resources pollinator account to obtain the plate.

2. Design and Transferability:

   • The plate design will be created in cooperation with the Board of Water and Soil Resources and other relevant groups interested in promoting solar pollinator habitats.
   • The plates can be transferred between vehicles registered to the same owner for a $5 fee, provided the new vehicle qualifies.

3. Usage of Funds:

   • Contributions from the license plate program will fund pollinator conservation efforts through the Board of Water and Soil Resources pollinator account.
   • Other collected fees will go into the driver and vehicle services operating account.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 216B.1642, by adding a new subdivision and provisions into Minnesota Statutes chapter 168. This creates a pathway for using vehicle registration as a means to support environmental conservation programs directly tied to solar energy initiatives.

Relevant Terms

solar pollinator program, special license plate, agrivoltaic solar sites, Board of Water and Soil Resources, pollinator account, renewable energy, habitat conservation, vehicle registration.