Allows for the creation of a distinctive license plate for the support of childhood cancer awareness

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to distinctive license plates for childhood cancer awareness; and to amend the state finance law, in relation to creating the childhood cancer awareness fund

Purpose or general idea of bill

: This bill would create a distinctive Childhood Cancer Awareness license plate for motor vehicles in New York State, and to establish a Childhood Cancer Awareness fund to support childhood cancer prevention and cure research initiatives.

Summary of specific provisions

: This bill would amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law to provide that any person residing within New York State may request a distinctive Childhood Cancer Awareness license plate in the same manner as other license plates within the state, except that an additional annual service charge of twenty-five ($25) dollars shall be charged for such license plate.

Additional moneys received pursuant to this program would be deposited in the Childhood Cancer Awareness Fund created under the State Finance Law, provided, however, that one (1) year after the effective date of this section funds in the amount of six thousand ($6,000) dollars, or so much thereof as may be available, would be allocated to the Department to offset costs associated with the production of such license plates.

This bill would further amend the State Finance Law to create the Childhood Cancer Awareness Fund in the joint custody of the Comptroller and the Commissioner of Health. The fund would consist of all moneys collected pursuant to the Vehicle and Traffic Law, and all other moneys appropriated, credited or transferred thereto from any other fund or source. Nothing would prevent the Comptroller from accepting any gift, bequest, or other donation on behalf of the fund. Moneys of the Fund would be used to support childhood cancer prevention and cure research initiatives.

The Commissioner of Health, in consultation with the American Cancer Society, would determine which research initiatives would be eligible for funding from the Fund. Moneys would be paid out of the fund on the audit and warrant of the State Comptroller on vouchers approved and certified by the Commissioner of Health. Any interest received by the Comptroller on moneys deposited in the Funds shall be retained in and become part of the Fund.

Justification

: Childhood Cancer is a serious health concern whose victims cannot speak out as forcefully and effectively as the victims of other types of cancer. The creation of a Childhood Cancer Awareness license plate will help to raise awareness about this affliction and help to raise funds for childhood cancer prevention and cure research initiatives.

Prior legislative history

: 2008 - S3623 - Referred to the Transportation Committee

Fiscal implications

: None Noted.

Effective date

: This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth (120th) day after it shall become a law.