SB305: SB305 Special License Plates; establish a specialty license plate honoring alumni of Alabama State University

Georgia law already allows the state to issue specialty license plates that support various worthy agencies, funds, or nonprofit organizations, with proceeds split between the state general fund and the sponsoring group. This bill adds one more plate to that list: a design honoring alumni of Alabama State University. Money raised from selling this plate would go to the Alabama State University Metro Atlanta Alumni Chapter. Because the state constitution requires a two-thirds vote in both the Senate and House for laws creating this kind of dedicated funding arrangement, the bill would only become law if it clears that higher vote threshold. If passed, it would take effect on January 1, 2026.

• Adds a new paragraph to Georgia's specialty license plate law (O.C.G.A. § 40-2-86) creating a plate honoring Alabama State University alumni.
• Directs that proceeds from selling the plate go to the Alabama State University Metro Atlanta Alumni Chapter rather than a state agency.
• Requires the bill to pass by a two-thirds majority in both the Senate and House under a specific state constitutional rule for this type of law.
• Sets January 1, 2026 as the date the change would take effect if enacted.
• Repeals any existing laws that conflict with the new provision.

Georgia drivers who are alumni of Alabama State University or want to support the school, the Alabama State University Metro Atlanta Alumni Chapter, which would receive the plate's proceeds, and the Georgia Department of Revenue, which administers specialty license plates.

Georgia motorists with ties to Alabama State University would gain another option for a specialty plate, and the small fees generated from purchases would provide ongoing funding to a specific alumni organization rather than a state fund or agency.

• Section 1 amends O.C.G.A. § 40-2-86(l) by adding paragraph (71), creating the new Alabama State University alumni specialty plate and naming its funding recipient.
• Section 2 requires a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers under Article III, Section IX, Paragraph VI(n) of the Georgia Constitution for the bill to become law.
• Section 3 sets the effective date as January 1, 2026.
• Section 4 repeals conflicting laws.

1. 2025-02-28Senate Read and Referred (Senate)
2. 2025-02-27Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Tonya Anderson (D, SD-043)Primary sponsor
• Ed Harbison (D, SD-015)
• David Lucas (D, SD-026)
• Freddie Sims (D, SD-012)
• Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)

• license plates
• Alabama State University
• alumni organizations
• motor vehicles