Distinctive license plates; volunteer and professional firefighters plate fee increased, distribution of funds provided for

HB 253 increases the annual fee for Alabama’s volunteer and professional firefighter distinctive license plates from $1 to $10. The additional funds collected will be distributed equally (25% each) to four specific fire service programs: the Alabama Firefighter Memorial in Tuscaloosa, the Firefighter Peer Support Program, the Alabama Firefighters Annuity and Benefit Fund, and the Alabama Firefighters Emergency Relief Fund. This bill directly affects eligible firefighters who apply for these specialized license plates through county licensing offices. The fee changes and fund distribution mechanisms are effective January 1, 2022, as specified in the amended statutes.