HB 255: Special license plates; Southern University Alumni; establish

Georgia law allows the state to issue special license plates that support various causes and organizations, with part of the sale proceeds going to those groups and part to the state's general fund. This bill adds two new plates to that list under O.C.G.A. § 40-2-86. One plate would honor Southern University Alumni, with proceeds going to the Atlanta Metropolitan Chapter of Southern University Alumni Federation of Georgia, Inc. The other would honor Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., with proceeds going to the Delta Life Development Center. Because the bill affects tax and revenue distribution, it requires a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate to become law under the Georgia Constitution. If passed, it would take effect January 1, 2026.

• Adds a new special license plate honoring Southern University Alumni to Georgia's list of specialty plates under O.C.G.A. § 40-2-86.
• Directs proceeds from that plate's sales to the Atlanta Metropolitan Chapter of Southern University Alumni Federation of Georgia, Inc.
• Adds a second new special license plate honoring Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
• Directs proceeds from that plate's sales to the Delta Life Development Center.
• Requires a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers of the Georgia General Assembly for the bill to become law, as required for revenue-related constitutional provisions.
• Sets the effective date as January 1, 2026, if enacted.

Georgia vehicle owners who may choose to purchase these specialty plates, the Georgia Department of Revenue which administers license plate programs, and the two named nonprofit organizations that would receive proceeds from plate sales.

Georgians who want to support these organizations while driving would gain two new plate options, and the affiliated nonprofits would receive a new funding stream tied to plate sales. The change mainly affects optional consumer choice rather than any broad public policy.

• Section 1 amends O.C.G.A. § 40-2-86(l) by adding paragraph (71) creating a Southern University Alumni plate with proceeds to the Atlanta Metropolitan Chapter of Southern University Alumni Federation of Georgia, Inc.
• Section 1 also adds paragraph (72) creating a Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. plate with proceeds to the Delta Life Development Center.
• Section 2 requires a two-thirds majority vote in both the Senate and House under Article III, Section IX, Paragraph VI(n) of the Georgia Constitution for the Act to become law.
• Section 3 sets the effective date as January 1, 2026.
• Section 4 repeals any conflicting laws.

1. 2025-03-04Senate Read and Referred (Senate)
2. 2025-03-03House Passed/Adopted By Substitute (House)
3. 2025-03-03House Third Readers (House)
4. 2025-02-26House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute (House)
5. 2025-02-06House Second Readers (House)
6. 2025-02-05House First Readers (House)
7. 2025-02-04House Hopper (House)

• Dewey McClain (D, HD-109)Primary sponsor
• Brian Prince (D, HD-132)
• Kimberly Alexander (D, HD-66)
• Rhonda Taylor (D, HD-92)
• Mack Jackson (D, HD-128)

1. PassedHouse voteMarch 3, 2025

   168 yea, 0 nay (5 not voting, 7 excused)

   PASSAGE: House Vote #141

• license plates
• vehicle registration
• nonprofit funding
• Georgia General Assembly