BILL ANALYSIS AND FISCAL IMPACT REPORT	Page 1 of  1

DATE: February 26, 2001	Submitted by: TAXATION AND REVENUE DEPT.
	T. GLENN ELLINGTON, SECRETARY
BILL NUMBER: HB-672

SPONSOR: Representative Miera

BILL SHORT TITLE: Motorcycle Registration Plates for Disabled Persons

CONFLICTS, DUPLICATES, COMPANIONS: HB-673

DESCRIPTION: 
This measure would require the Taxation and Revenue Department's Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) to issue special motorcycle registration plates to disabled persons requesting them. To qualify for the plate, an individual must prove to the Department that the person has suffered the loss of, or compete and total loss of use of, one or both legs at or above the ankle or one or both arms at or above the wrist. The Department would not be allowed to collect a fee in addition to regular registration fees for the special plates.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  July 1, 2001

FISCAL IMPACT: The proposed measure would not significantly affect state or local revenue sources, although the bill technically results in loss of motor vehicle registration fees on a few motorcycles. 

ADMINISTRATIVE I	MPACT: Administrative impacts of the proposed measure would most likely be minimal. The Department currently registers approximately 28,000 motorcycles annually at a cost of $14 per registration. The fraction of individuals likely to request the special plates would most likely be very small -- less than one percent of the total number of motorcycle registrations. Computer systems changes would impose opportunity costs to other system initiatives and enhancements.

TECHNICAL ISSUES:  
1)	The proposal should reference Section 3-51-46 (Passenger motor vehicle of disabled person; parking privilege) to allow disabled individuals to park in handicapped parking places.	
2)	Simply amending Section 66-3-16A. NMSA 1978 from: "The division shall issue distinctive registration plates to any disabled person..." to "The division shall issue distinctive registration plates, including motorcycle plates, to any disabled person..." would accomplish essentially the same objectives at the proposed measure. However, use of placards may not be convenient on motorcycles.
3)	If Section 66-3-16A is not amended as suggested above, additional provisions should probably be added to the proposal, including provisions for requiring a physician's statement pertaining to disability status (66-3-16F),   conditions warranting disability status (66-3-16G) and treatment of special plates issued by other states (66-3-16H).

OTHER IMPACTS AND ISSUES: none