Senate Bill 394
By: Senators Parent of the 44th, Orrock of the 36th, Rahman of the 5th, Jackson of the 41st,
Harrell of the 40th and others
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
To amend Chapter 2 of Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to
registration and licensing of motor vehicles, so as to remove a fee for the operation of
alternative fueled vehicles and make conforming changes; to provide for related matters; to
repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:
SECTION 1.
Chapter 2 of Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to registration and
licensing of motor vehicles, is amended in Code Section 40-2-38, relating to registration and
licensing of manufacturers, distributors, and dealers and issuance of manufacturer,
manufacturer headquarters, distributor, and dealer plates, by revising paragraph (5) of
subsection (a) as follows:
"(5) The commissioner shall include a distinctive logo or emblem for any manufacturer's,
distributor's, or manufacturer headquarters' license plate to be attached to an alternative
fueled vehicle, as such term is defined in paragraph (7) of subsection (l) of Code
Section 40-2-86.1. <del>Alternative fuel vehicles bearing a special license plate pursuant to
this subsection shall be subject to the alternative fuel vehicle fees as set forth in
paragraph (19) of subsection (a) of Code Section 40-2-151 at the time of initial issuance
</del>
<del>and annually thereafter in a manner prescribed by the commissioner.</del> Display of a special
license plate issued pursuant to this paragraph shall authorize travel by such alternative
fueled vehicle in lanes for exclusive or preferential use designated pursuant to Code
Section 32-9-4."
SECTION 2.
Said chapter is further amended in Code Section 40-2-86.1, relating to special license plates
promoting or supporting certain worthy agencies, funds, or nonprofit corporations and
qualified motor vehicles or drivers with proceeds deposited into the general fund, by revising
paragraph (7) of subsection (l) as follows:
"(7)(A) A special license plate to be issued for alternative fueled vehicles, which
license plate shall be similar in design to the license plate issued to all other residents
of this state except that the commissioner shall place a distinctive logo or emblem on
the license plate which shall distinguish the vehicle as an alternative fueled vehicle
eligible to travel in travel lanes designated for such vehicles under paragraph (4) of
subsection (a) of Code Section 32-9-4. The words 'alternative fueled vehicle' shall be
imprinted on such special license plate in lieu of the county name decal. The funds
raised by the sale of this license plate shall be deposited in the general fund.
(B) As used in this paragraph, the term:
(i) 'Alternative fuel' means electricity, natural gas, and propane.
(ii) 'Alternative fueled vehicle' means any vehicle fueled solely by alternative fuel as
defined in division (i) of this subparagraph, bi-fuel, or dual fuel.
<del>(C) Pursuant to paragraph (19) of subsection (a) of Code Section 40-2-151, the
applicant for a special license plate for any alternative fueled vehicle shall provide
proof that he or she has paid the registration fee prescribed therein prior to the issuance
of any special license plate under this paragraph."
</del>
SECTION 3.
Said chapter is further amended in Code Section 40-2-151, relating to annual license fees for
operation of vehicles, fee for permanent licensing of certain trailers, and fee for new
passenger car with paid title ad valorem taxes, by repealing paragraph (19) of subsection (a)
in its entirety.
SECTION 4.
Said chapter is further amended in Code Section 40-2-151.2, relating to Transportation Trust
Fund established, funding, and accounting, by revising subsection (b) as follows:
"(b) Under the authority granted and subject to the conditions imposed by Article III,
Section IX, Paragraph VI(r) of the Constitution of Georgia, for the period beginning on
July 1, 2022, and ending on June 30, 2032, all of the money collected pursuant to
<del>paragraph (19) of subsection (a) of Code Section 40-2-151,</del> Code Section 40-2-151.1, and
subsection (b) of Code Section 48-13-50.3 shall be annually appropriated to the
Transportation Trust Fund established by this Code section and such funds shall not lapse
as otherwise required by Article III, Section IX, Paragraph IV(c) of the Constitution of
Georgia. Each annual appropriation shall be made through the General Appropriations Act
and shall include all of the money collected from such sources during the most recently
completed fiscal year."
SECTION 5.
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.