AB 1059: Vehicles: Blackout License Plate Program.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

Existing law requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to establish the California Legacy License Plate Program, and to create and issue a series of specialized license plates, consisting of one or more of 3 specified designs that replicate license plates from the state’s past.

This bill would require the department to establish the Blackout License Plate Program and create and issue a series of specialized license plates, known as California Blackout Plates, that have a black background with white lettering, if at least 7,500 applications for plates are received and held by the department, on or before January 1, 2030. The bill would require specified additional fees be paid for the issuance, renewal, retention, or transfer of the California Blackout Plates. The bill would require that, upon determination by the department that there are sufficient funds for the program, moneys be available, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to the department for the necessary administrative costs of establishing the program and, as to any remaining moneys, for deposit into the California Environmental License Plate Fund for appropriation by the Legislature pursuant to existing law.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. February 2, 2026From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
2. January 31, 2026Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution.
3. May 23, 2025In committee: Held under submission.
4. May 14, 2025In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
5. April 22, 2025From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (April 21). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
6. April 9, 2025Re-referred to Com. on TRANS.
7. April 8, 2025From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on TRANS. Read second time and amended.
8. March 25, 2025Re-referred to Com. on TRANS.
9. March 24, 2025From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on TRANS. Read second time and amended.
10. March 24, 2025Referred to Com. on TRANS.
11. February 21, 2025From printer. May be heard in committee March 23.
12. February 20, 2025Read first time. To print.