(a) The Department of Finance and Administration shall continue the special license plate for firefighters that existed before April 13, 2005.
(b) The department shall seek the advice of the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board before changing the design of the special license plate under this section.
(c)
(1) A firefighter may apply for and annually renew special license plates issued under this section.
(2) The fee for the initial application for a special license plate under this section is:
(A) The fee required by law for the registration and licensing of the motor vehicle;
(B) A handling and administrative fee in the amount of ten dollars ($10.00); and
(C) An additional fee of five dollars ($5.00) to be remitted monthly to the board.
(3) The fee for the renewal of a special license plate under this section is the fee required by law for the registration and licensing of the motor vehicle and an additional fee of five dollars ($5.00) to be remitted monthly to the Arkansas State Firefighters Association.
(4) The replacement fee for a special license plate decal issued under this section is ten dollars ($10.00).
(d)
(1) Upon the initial application for a special license plate issued under this section, the firefighter shall provide adequate proof to the department that he or she is:
(A) Certified by the board as a firefighter; or
(B) Retired from active service as a firefighter at the time of applying for renewal.
(2) This subsection shall not require a person who has been issued a license plate under this section to present adequate proof of his or her status as a firefighter or retired firefighter to the department for the renewal of his or her license and registration.
(e)
(1) The fee remitted under subdivision (c)(2)(B) of this section shall be deposited into the State Central Services Fund as direct revenue to the Revenue Division of the Department of Finance and Administration.
(2) The fee shall be credited as supplemental and in addition to all other funds as may be deposited for the benefit of the division.
(3) The fee shall not be considered or credited to the division as direct revenue.
(f)
(1) The department shall offer a banner or tape to be attached to the special license plates issued under this section that states “Retired”.
(2) The “Retired” banner or tape shall be made available to a license plate holder who establishes that he or she is a firefighter retired from active service as provided under this section.
(3) This subsection shall not be construed to require a person who has been issued a “Retired” banner or tape under this section to present adequate proof of his or her status as a retired firefighter for the renewal of his or her license and registration.