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Bill to extend temporary tag window and add penalties fails in committee
Summary
SB 561, which proposed an additional 30‑day temporary tag renewal tied to proof of assessment and included enhanced fines for repeat offenders, failed after committee members raised concerns that the measure layered penalties without changing tax deadlines.
A Senate committee voted down SB 561, a bill intended to add an extra 30‑day temporary license tag for vehicle purchasers who provide proof of assessment and to stiffen penalties for repeated violations.
Senator Mark Johnson, sponsor, told the committee the measure would permit an additional 30 days beyond the existing temporary tag period for people who show they have listed a vehicle for assessment and paid prior personal property tax. The bill also proposed fines of $100 for a first offense of driving on an expired temporary tag and $250 for subsequent offenses.
Representatives from the Department of Finance and Administration answered technical questions about the interaction between the proposed temporary tag extension and existing tax deadlines and collection penalties. DFA said sales‑tax penalties (10% plus interest) still apply when taxes are late; the bill, as presented to the committee, did not change those tax deadlines.
Committee members expressed concern that adding an administrative temporary tag while keeping tax deadlines and penalties intact would primarily add criminal fines rather than address the underlying deadline alignment. Several senators said they were sympathetic to people who needed more time but suggested changes to the underlying tax/code deadlines would be required to create a meaningful relief.
A motion to pass the bill failed on a voice vote; the transcript shows no roll‑call tally.
Votes at a glance: SB 561 — Motion to report do pass (mover: Senator Johnson); outcome: failed (voice vote).
