Official and confirmed in New Jersey: Sherrill approves by law the creation of new license plates for drivers

New Jersey’s governor, Mikie Sherrill, has officially approved legislation allowing the creation of special license plates dedicated to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., according to official confirmation from her administration. The law, signed as Project A-1738/S-3233, provides drivers with an additional option when registering their vehicles. This new plate will feature the emblem and motto of Delta Sigma Theta, a historically prominent organization in education, community service, and social advocacy. The initiative was spearheaded by Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson and Assemblywoman Linda S. Carter, alongside Senators Shirley K. Turner and Renee Burgess. It became part of a broader set of measures passed during Governor Sherrill’s 100th day in office, which included proposals related to education, health, open spaces, transportation, and public buildings. Among these, the authorization for the Delta Sigma Theta license plates stands out as a unique contribution to the state's vehicle registration system. Under the new law, the chief administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) will be responsible for issuing the special license plates. These plates will be available to any vehicle registered or leased within the state upon request from the owner. The design includes the required registration number and other mandatory elements, along with a motto or phrase associated with Delta Sigma Theta and its emblem. The final design and color scheme of the plates have yet to be determined. According to the law, the MVC administrator will consult with the regional director for the East region of Delta Sigma Theta before finalizing the visual aspects of the plates. While the law does not specify exact colors or layout, it outlines that the plates will integrate into the existing state licensing system with specific rules regarding issuance, renewal, and funding. The process for obtaining the special plates involves submitting a formal application to the MVC, using forms and procedures established by the commission. In addition to standard registration fees, applicants must pay extra charges. These funds will not be entirely allocated to Delta Sigma Theta. Before transferring them to the organization’s account, the MVC will deduct administrative costs related to designing, producing, issuing, renewing, and promoting the special plates. The law also sets a cap on expenses tied to necessary computer modifications for implementing the program. The MVC can recover authorized IT costs up to a maximum of $150,000. The money collected through these special plates will be directed toward a non-expiring fund under the Department of the Treasury, specifically named “Delta Sigma Theta.” The exact allocation of this fund has not been detailed in the legislation, though it is intended to support the sorority’s programs and initiatives.