MississippiSB 28342026 Regular SessionSenate

Distinctive motor vehicle license tag; authorize issuance for various purposes.

Sponsored By: J. Walter Michel (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Ways and MeansFinance

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.

Surviving spouses can use similar plates

Beginning July 1, 2026, a surviving spouse can receive the same type of distinctive plate or tag issued to their deceased spouse. Regular vehicle registration requirements still apply.

Gold Star families get plate tax relief

Specified relatives can get a Gold Star tag if the service member lived in Mississippi and died on active duty during hostile activities or a time of war. Applicants generally must prove the relationship and qualifying death. The tag adds $30 each year, with $24 supporting veterans homes and cemeteries, $1 burn care, $2 highways, $1 a state fund, and $2 the county. A qualifying mother and unremarried spouse each receive an exemption for one tag from ad valorem, privilege, and other taxes and fees. The qualifying death for this exemption must have occurred after September 11, 2001.

New tags support Mississippi causes

Mississippi residents with qualifying vehicles can get tags supporting the State Department of Health, LeFleur's Bluff Conservancy, and Forrest Health. New options also support Ronald McDonald House Charities, Shower Power, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, several schools and churches, and other named groups. Each tag adds $30 at first and each annual renewal, plus regular vehicle taxes and fees. Of each $30, $24 goes to the named group, $1 to burn care, $2 to highways, $1 to a state fund, and $2 to the county. The Ronald McDonald House tag's requirements must be met before July 1, 2029.

Some school and wildlife tags start later

The D'Iberville High School, Kossuth High School, and Wildlife Mississippi tags start with registration years beginning July 1, 2026, replacing earlier start dates. Wildlife Mississippi also offers a black design with a white pinstripe border starting then. The requirements for these tags must be met before July 1, 2029. Tag fees and regular vehicle taxes and registration fees still apply.

Veterans get new plates, pay annual fees

Veterans can get specialty tags for service, awards, combat, or qualifying motorcycles. Options include Vietnam, Bronze Star, Iraq and Afghanistan service, Navy and Marine Corps Medal, combat, and Space Force tags. Applicants must show required proof; some tags cannot transfer to another owner. Several tags began with registration years starting July 1, 2020; Space Force and the discharged-member application route begin July 1, 2026. Most listed tags add $30 each year, plus regular vehicle taxes and fees. Where the standard split applies, $24 supports veterans homes and cemeteries, $1 burn care, $2 highways, and $1 a state fund; the county keeps $2. Certain lost or stolen tags cost $10 to replace, and the county may keep 5% of that fee.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

J. Walter Michel
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 343 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/31/2026

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 52 • No: 0

House vote • 3/31/2026

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 119 • No: 0

House vote • 3/5/2026

Passed As Amended

Yes: 120 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/4/2026

Passed