SB 291: Special License Plates; establish an "America First" specialty license plate

Georgia law already allows the state to issue specialty license plates that support various causes, agencies, or nonprofits, with the money from some plates going into the state's general fund. This bill adds a new specialty plate to that list: an "America First" plate showing the American flag, meant to represent patriotism and national pride. Unlike many specialty plates that require the state to first collect 1,000 prepaid applications before production begins, this bill lets the Georgia Department of Revenue start issuing the America First plate right away. However, if the plate does not reach 1,000 applications by January 1, 2028, the department must stop manufacturing it. Money raised from selling the plate goes into the state's general fund rather than to a specific cause. The law would take effect January 1, 2026.

• Adds a new paragraph to Georgia's specialty license plate law (O.C.G.A. § 40-2-86.1) creating an "America First" plate featuring the American flag.
• Allows the Department of Revenue to start issuing the plate immediately, without first waiting for the usual 1,000 prepaid applications required for most specialty plates.
• Requires the department to stop manufacturing the plate if it has not received 1,000 applications by January 1, 2028.
• Directs that money from selling the plate go into the state's general fund rather than a dedicated cause or nonprofit.
• Sets the law to take effect January 1, 2026.

Georgia vehicle owners who want to purchase the new specialty plate, the Georgia Department of Revenue, which manufactures and issues license plates, and the state's general fund, which receives the proceeds from plate sales.

Georgia drivers would gain another specialty plate option to display on their vehicles, and the state gets a small new revenue stream for its general fund. The plate's fate depends on demand: if fewer than 1,000 people order it by 2028, production stops.

• Section 1 amends O.C.G.A. § 40-2-86.1 by adding paragraph (12), authorizing an America First specialty plate showing the American flag.
• The new plate is described as representing patriotism, prioritizing the nation's interests, and reinforcing national pride and unity.
• The Department of Revenue may issue the plate before reaching the normal 1,000 prepaid application threshold required under subsection (h).
• If 1,000 applications are not submitted by January 1, 2028, the department must stop manufacturing the plate.
• Proceeds from the plate's sale are deposited into the state's general fund rather than a dedicated program.
• Section 2 sets the effective date as January 1, 2026.

1. 2025-05-14Effective Date 2026-01-01
2. 2025-05-14Act 301
3. 2025-05-14Senate Date Signed by Governor (Senado)
4. 2025-04-10Senate Sent to Governor (Senado)
5. 2025-04-04Senate Agreed House Amend or Sub (Senado)
6. 2025-04-02House Passed/Adopted By Substitute (Cámara de Representantes)
7. 2025-04-02House Third Readers (Cámara de Representantes)
8. 2025-04-02House Third Readers (Cámara de Representantes)

• Steve Gooch (R, SD-051)Patrocinador principal
• John Kennedy (R, SD-018)
• Randy Robertson (R, SD-029)
• Jason Anavitarte (R, SD-031)
• Larry Walker (R, SD-020)
• Carden Summers (R, SD-013)
• Billy Hickman (R, SD-004)
• Max Burns (R, SD-023)
• Ed Setzler (R, SD-037)
• Chuck Payne (R, SD-054)
• Bo Hatchett (R, SD-050)
• Blake Tillery (R, SD-019)
• Bill Cowsert (R, SD-046)
• Chuck Hufstetler (R, SD-052)
• Drew Echols (R, SD-049)
• Shawn Still (R, SD-048)
• Mike Hodges (R, SD-003)
• Frank Ginn (R, SD-047)
• Marty Harbin (R, SD-016)
• Ricky Williams (R, SD-025)
• Greg Dolezal (R, SD-027)
• Brandon Beach (R, SD-021)
• Brian Strickland (R, SD-042)
• Ben Watson (R, SD-001)
• Lee Anderson (R, SD-024)
• Martin Momtahan (R, HD-017)

1. AprobadaVotación: Senado6 de marzo de 2025

   34 a favor, 22 en contra

   Adoption Of Amend #1a By Sen From The 14th To Amend #1 By Sen From The 14th: Senate Vote #189

2. RechazadaVotación: Senado6 de marzo de 2025

   24 a favor, 32 en contra

   Adoption Of The Amendment By The Sen From The 14th As Amended: Senate Vote #190

3. AprobadaVotación: Senado6 de marzo de 2025

   33 a favor, 23 en contra

   Passage By Substitute: Senate Vote #191

4. AprobadaVotación: Cámara de Representantes2 de abril de 2025

   95 a favor, 68 en contra (2 sin votar, 15 ausentes)

   Passage: House Vote #393

5. AprobadaVotación: Senado4 de abril de 2025

   33 a favor, 21 en contra (0 sin votar, 2 ausentes)

   Agree To House Substitute: Senate Vote #472

• license plates
• Georgia Department of Revenue
• state revenue
• vehicle registration