Sen. William Fulton told the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee on Jan. 9 that Senate Bill 54 would authorize specially designed vintage reproduction registration plates modeled on Maryland’s original 1910 motor vehicle plates and make them available as an elective registration option.

Fulton said the plates would not create a mandated tax but offer an elective purchase that could generate supplemental revenue — he estimated annual receipts in the low six figures (he cited amounts near $120,000–$150,000 as illustrative). He described the plates as a celebration of the Motor Vehicle Administration’s history; Fulton noted a cross-file was filed in the House by Chair Mark Corman on the day of the hearing.

Committee members asked whether the bill had previously passed unanimously; Fulton confirmed prior unanimous support in committee. The sponsor requested a favorable report; the committee concluded the hearing without a recorded vote.