Plain English Breakdown
The bill text contains conflicting or fragmented phrasing regarding the exact split of funds before and after July 1, 2027; the summary reflects the clearest interpretation for post-2027 rules.
Changes to Special License Plates for Child Health Programs
This bill changes fees and fund allocations starting July 1, 2027, allowing Legacy Plate buyers to use a heart shape and increasing costs for 'Have a Heart' plates.
What This Bill Does
- Allows people who buy California Legacy License Plates to apply for a heart-shaped design from the 'Have a Heart' program starting July 1, 2027, for an extra fee.
- Increases fees for buying or renewing 'Have a Heart, Be a Star, Help Our Kids' license plates starting July 1, 2027.
- Requires new money from these plate sales to go into both the California Environmental License Plate Fund and the Child Health and Safety Fund.
- Changes how fees collected on or after July 1, 2027 are split: 25% for childcare licensing oversight, 50% for child health and safety programs, and the rest for abuse prevention.
- Sets aside some funds for a report by the Emergency Medical Services Authority if another bill (AB 1639) becomes law.
Who It Names or Affects
- Drivers who buy or renew special license plates in California
- The Department of Motor Vehicles, which issues the plates and collects fees
- The State Department of Social Services, which manages childcare licensing programs
- Agencies that run child health, safety, and abuse prevention programs
Terms To Know
- California Legacy License Plate Program
- A program where drivers can buy license plates with designs from the state's past.
- Child Health and Safety Fund
- A government account that holds money to pay for programs protecting children's health, safety, and preventing abuse.
- Appropriation
- The official action by the Legislature to set aside specific amounts of money so they can be spent on a program.
Limits and Unknowns
- Money from these fees can only be spent if the Legislature officially approves (appropriates) it.
- Some parts of this bill will not work unless another law, AB 1639, is passed first.
- The exact amount of money raised depends on how many people choose to buy or renew these special plates.