Plain English Breakdown
The official source does not specify how much the fee will increase, only that it will happen starting July 1, 2027.
AB-997: Changes to 'Have a Heart, Be a Star' License Plate Fees and Funding
Starting July 1, 2027, this law increases fees for special license plates and changes how the collected money is split between childcare programs and child safety efforts.
What This Bill Does
- Increases fees for buying or renewing 'Have a Heart, Be a Star' license plates starting on July 1, 2027.
- Allocates half of all new fee money to state agencies that manage childcare licensing, oversight, recruitment, training, and development.
- Uses the other half of fees collected before July 1, 2027 for childcare safety and health programs.
- Directs half of fees collected on or after July 1, 2027 toward child health and safety concerns.
- Allocates the remaining funds collected on or after July 1, 2027 to prevent child abuse.
Who It Names or Affects
- Drivers who buy or renew 'Have a Heart, Be a Star' license plates
- The Department of Motor Vehicles that issues the plates
- State and local agencies responsible for childcare licensing and training
- Programs focused on child health, safety, and abuse prevention
Terms To Know
- Appropriation
- When the Legislature officially votes to set aside money so it can be used for a specific purpose.
- Licensure
- The official process of giving permission or a license to run a childcare business.
Limits and Unknowns
- Funds are only available if the Legislature votes to appropriate them.
- The exact dollar amount for the new fees is not listed in this summary text.
- Specific details about which child health programs receive funding depend on future decisions.