ASSEMBLY TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 955

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: DECEMBER 16, 1996

      The Assembly Transportation and Communications Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 955 with committee amendments.

      Under the current law, an amateur radio operator is permitted to display his amateur radio call letters on his license plates. Under this amended bill, the words "amateur radio" also would be displayed on the license plates. The purpose of the bill is to enable the public to readily identify amateur radio operators, especially in times of emergency.

      The bill also increases the fee for the issuance of these license plates from $10 to $15, which is consistent with the current fees for the issuance of other special license plates.

      The committee amended the bill to allow the director to issue duplicate plates regardless of the number of characters on the plate. The committee also amended the bill to require that it to take effect in 30 days, rather than immediately upon enactment.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 1996 session pending technical review. As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review which has been performed.