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Committee considers auctioned specialty "Old Line" plate as modest revenue source

Judicial Proceedings Committee · February 4, 2026

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Summary

Senate Bill 352 would create a limited-run, blackout Old Line specialty license plate sold via auction to raise recurring Transportation Trust Fund revenue; sponsors say the design taps demand shown in other states, while committee members asked about auction logistics, market impact on mission plates and small-business name conflicts.

Senate Bill 352 would authorize a specialty license plate design — a minimalist black "Old Line" plate with up to five numerals — to be issued via a state-run auction and generate net revenue for the Transportation Trust Fund. Sponsor staff framed the plate as both a nod to Maryland history and a potential recurring revenue source; supporters pointed to strong first-year sales in other states.

The Maryland Chamber of Commerce testified in favor, saying comparable programs in other states produced millions in revenue. Committee members asked whether the new plate would cannibalize existing mission-driven specialty plates (for example Chesapeake Bay or agricultural plates) and whether MDOT could handle auction administration. Sponsors said the program is designed to reach a different, primarily aesthetic market and proposed minor technical amendments: adding the words "license plate" to the program title to avoid conflicts with an existing small business that uses the Old Line name, and considering a caps/sunset or limited-issue auction if the committee prefers.

Fiscal and logistics notes: Witnesses said initial costs should be small relative to revenue potential; the fiscal note provided a conservative estimate of revenue but supporters said other states— experience (Minnesota, Indiana) suggests the fiscal note could be conservative. MDOT administrative requirements were described as modest and compatible with online auction platforms.

Next steps: Sponsor staff said they will work on technical language to address name-conflict concerns and can provide auction mechanics and caps if the committee wants them on the record. No committee vote recorded in the transcript.

Attribution: Sponsor testimony and chamber remarks are taken from the Feb. 4 hearing.