AK HB161

Establishes an additional fee not to exceed $50 for special request vehicle registration plates celebrating the arts, collected only on first issuance and replacement, with the Alaska State Council on the Arts determining the fee amount through regulation.

Directs revenue from arts registration plates to be separately accounted for in the general fund, with annual balances exceeding issuance costs available for legislative appropriation to the Alaska State Council on the Arts.

Grants the Alaska State Council on the Arts authority to manage relocation, disposition, and exchange of works of art acquired under state art programs and from the art in public places fund.

Changes the vehicle registration plate design competition from mandatory to discretionary, allowing the council to hold competitions every four years if desired, with a panel of judges and public vote to select winners.

Permits the council to recommend amounts from arts registration plate revenue surplus to pay artists for winning designs and allows temporary legal counsel employment with attorney general approval.

Effective date: July 1, 2021.