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SF3028 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Snowmobile special license plates establishment and appropriation

Related bill: HF2666

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to create special license plates for owners of certain motor vehicles to support snowmobiling in Minnesota. These snowmobile special plates aim to raise funds for the development and maintenance of snowmobile trails.

Main Provisions

  • Issuance of Plates: The bill mandates that snowmobile special license plates, or a single motorcycle plate, be issued to applicants who:

    1. Are registered owners of passenger cars, noncommercial one-ton pickup trucks, motorcycles, or recreational vehicles.
    2. Pay the special plate fee and any additional required fees.
    3. Pay a registration tax as outlined in the state's statutes.
    4. Make financial contributions both upon initial application and annually to a designated fund for snowmobile trails and enforcement.
    5. Comply with existing rules for vehicle registration and driver licensing.

  • Design: The commissioner of motor vehicles must collaborate with the Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association to design the plates.

  • Transfer of Plates: Owners can transfer these special plates to another vehicle they own by applying to the commissioner and paying a $5 transfer fee.

  • Exemption Clause: Plates issued under this section are exempt from certain existing vehicle license regulations related to license plates.

  • Use of Contributions: The bill specifies that funds collected from these contributions are allocated to the Minnesota Commissioner of Natural Resources. The funds are used for grants aimed at the development, maintenance, grooming of snowmobile trails, and acquiring necessary easements.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill adds a new section to Minnesota Statutes, introducing snowmobile special plates and setting up a specific funding mechanism for snowmobile trail development. It establishes an annual contribution requirement for plate holders that directly supports snowmobiling activities statewide.

Relevant Terms

  • Snowmobile special license plates
  • Vehicle registration
  • Contribution requirements
  • Snowmobile trails
  • Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association
  • Grants-in-aid
  • Commissioner of Natural Resources

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 26, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 26, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toTransportation

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References the special plate fees under section 168.12 subdivision 5.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "168.12",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 5"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Mentions the registration tax requirement under section 168.013.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "168.013",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Relates to contributions to the snowmobile trails and enforcement account under section 84.83 subdivision 2.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "84.83",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Mentions an exemption for special plates under section 168.1293 subdivision 2.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "168.1293",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References an appropriation modification notwithstanding section 84.83 subdivision 3.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "84.83",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  }
]

Sponsors