Relates to the issuance of distinctive plates for members of Kiwanis International

2 Co-sponsors

• Joseph P. Addabbo Jr.
• Todd Kaminsky

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to the issuance of distinctive plates for members of Kiwanis International

Purpose

Amends the Vehicle and Traffic Law to allow for distinctive plates for Kiwanis members.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 will amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law will by adding section § 404-x, which reads:

Subdivision 1, any member of Kiwanis International residing within New York State, upon request, shall be issued a license plate bearing the words "Kiwanis International".

Subdivision 2, proof must be shown to the satisfaction of the commissioner that the applicant is a member of Kiwanis International.

Subdivision 3, provides for a fee.

Section 2 states that a distinctive plate can only be designed, produced and issued upon the delivery to the department of a surety bond in the amount of six thousand dollars. However if the Commissioner receives prior to the plate design at least two hundred orders with the annual service charge, no such surety bond will be required.

Subdivision 2, deems that if upon the expiration of two years following the date upon which distinctive plates in the series are first available for sale two hundred or more sets of such plates are sold, a bond would be discontinued.

If fewer than two hundred sets are sold, the department would be entitled to recover against the bond in an amount proportionate to such shortfall.

Section 3 sets forth the effective date.

Justification

Kiwanis International, a world-wide service organization, is celebrating its 100th anniversary year in 2015. Kiwanis members in over 300 local clubs perform service projects ranging from fund raising to hands on work in every area of New York State. Additionally, Kiwanis clubs sponsor K-Kids Clubs in elementary schools, Builders Clubs in Middle Schools, Key Clubs in High Schools, Circle K Clubs at Colleges and Universities and Aktion Clubs for adults living with disabilities, all providing service and leadership development opportunities to members of those communities.

These distinctive license plates would give Kiwanis members the opportunity to receive recognition for the good work they do, as well as promote the organization to other members of the community in which they live.

Legislative history

2015-16: S.438A/A.486A Passed both houses, Vetoed by Governor 2013-14: S.6528/A.8258 Passed Senate/Referred to Transportation Similar to S.2203 (Volker) - 2010

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

180 days after it shall have become law. However section two shall take effect immediately.