NY A08574

Authorizes the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue distinctive "epilepsy awareness" license plates to New York residents upon request, charged at the regular registration fee plus an additional $25 annual service charge.

Establishes the New York state "epilepsy awareness fund" in the joint custody of the Commissioner of Taxation and Finance and the Comptroller, funded by the $25 annual service charge from distinctive plate sales.

Requires $10,000 from the fund to be allocated to the Department of Motor Vehicles within one year to offset plate production costs, with remaining funds used for epilepsy research and education programs.

Creates an epilepsy research and education program within the Department of Health to promote scientific investigations into epilepsy causes and treatment, and establish patient education programs on seizure recognition and first aid.

Requires a $6,000 surety bond for plate production unless at least 200 plate orders with service charges are received prior to design and production; bond requirement is discontinued if 200 or more sets are sold within two years.