HB 53 SMOKEY BEAR USE LICENSE & PLATE

Rep P. Mark Duncan

Actions: HPREF [2] not prntd-HRC

Scheduled: Not Scheduled

 House Bill 53 (HB 53) This legislative act is related to motor vehicles in the state of New Mexico, specifically focusing on the creation and issuance of special Smokey Bear fire prevention registration plates.  

 House Bill 53 (HB 53) House Bill 53 (HB 53):  Section 1: Creation of Smokey Bear Fire Prevention Special Registration Plate.  Subsection A: The Motor Vehicle Division is directed to apply for a license from the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service to use the image and name of Smokey Bear on a special registration plate. The purpose is to raise fire prevention awareness and generate funds for state forest fire prevention efforts.  Subsection B: Upon obtaining the license, the division is required to issue standardized Smokey Bear fire prevention special registration plates with a designated logo indicating support for forest fire prevention awareness.  Subsection C: Vehicle owners can apply for the Smokey Bear fire prevention special registration plate by paying an initial fee of fifty dollars ($50.00), in addition to regular registration fees. There is also an annual renewal fee of forty dollars ($40.00) to retain and renew the special plate.  Subsection D: After covering any licensing fees for the use of the Smokey Bear name or image, the revenue generated from the additional fees for the special registration plate is allocated as follows:  $12.00 from the initial fee is retained by the department to cover the costs of making and issuing the special registration plate with the Smokey Bear logo.  The remaining portion of the initial fee and the full renewal fees go to the Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department for forest fire prevention.  Subsection E: Starting on July 1, 2027, and annually thereafter, the department will compare the number of Smokey Bear fire prevention special registration plates issued or renewed with the average from fiscal years 2025 and 2026.  Subsection F: If, by September 1 of a fiscal year, the department determines that the number of issued or renewed Smokey Bear fire prevention special registration plates is less than fifty percent of the average from fiscal years 2025 and 2026, the department will cease issuing these plates.  The effective date of the provisions outlined in this act is July 1, 2024.