House Motor Vehicles Committee approves new license plates, renames enforcement unit and OKs funeral-procession rule

At a meeting of the Georgia House Motor Vehicles Committee, members approved a package of vehicle-related measures by voice vote, advancing two new license plates, a renaming and certification change for the state—s motor carrier enforcement unit, a split of the ambulance/hearse registration plate, and a rule for funeral processions on rural roads.

The most discussed item, House Bill 208, would create two new license plates: one to benefit the State Parks and Historic Sites Division and one to benefit black bass conservation and bass-management activities. A committee substitute changes the bill—s effective date to Jan. 1, 2026, and the sponsor noted the plates are intended both to raise awareness of Georgia—s outdoor resources and to provide dedicated funding for specified uses. The committee approved the bill on a voice vote after a motion to pass it by Chairman Allen Powell.

Why it matters: Supporters said the parks plate would spotlight Georgia—s tourism and outdoor recreation and fund accessibility and infrastructure work. The presenter told the committee the state park system had more than 14 million visitors last year, manages 66 properties with 427 cottages, more than 2,600 campsites, about 900 miles of trails and more than 88,000 acres. The sponsor also said the bass plate would fund bass-management activities and conservation work.

Other measures passed with little debate. House Bill 114 is an annual administrative update that amends the effective date for a federal guideline adopted by the Motor Carrier Compliance Division, changing the statutory date from Jan. 1, 2024, to Jan. 1, 2025. The committee approved the change on a voice vote.

House Bill 116 would rename the Motor Carrier Compliance Division (commonly called MCCD) to the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division and require officers in the unit to be trained, sworn and certified law-enforcement officers. Commissioner Billy Hitchens introduced that bill and Major Andrew Montgomery identified himself as the motor-carrier division—s major during the presentation. A committee exchange noted the proposal includes costs for updating vehicle markings and patches; Montgomery estimated the physical changes would be about $65,000. Members approved HB 116 by voice vote.

Representative Seeball reintroduced House Bill 61, which would authorize separate license plates for ambulance vehicles and for hearses; currently the state issues a combined plate that reads "hearse ambulance". The sponsor and members said the change reflects modern vehicle uses and carries no additional state cost because the plates are not prestige or revenue-sharing plates. The bill passed on a voice vote.

Representative Franklin presented a bill addressing funeral processions. The measure, narrowed to apply on rural roads, would require oncoming traffic to pull over and remain stopped until the procession passes; the bill also includes requirements for a flashing light to mark the beginning and end of a procession. The committee approved the bill on a voice vote; the sponsor said the requirement responds to safety concerns raised by local law enforcement and earlier close calls during processions.

Votes at a glance: All bills described above were approved by voice vote; the transcript records motions, seconds and committee voice approval but no roll-call tallies.

What committee members said: Commissioner Billy Hitchens identified himself to the committee as "Billy Hitchens, commissioner of Georgia Park Public Safety"; Major Andrew Montgomery identified himself as "the major over the motor carrier division." Chairman Allen Powell moved to pass HB 208. Other members asked procedural and cost questions during the HB 116 discussion and about plate fees for HB 61.

Next steps: Passed committee measures will move to further House consideration according to chamber rules. The meeting adjourned with members scheduling a standard time for the next committee meeting.