(625 ILCS 5/3-655)

Sec. 3-655. Hospice license plates.

(a) The Secretary, upon receipt of an application made in the form prescribed by the Secretary, may issue special registration plates designated as Hospice license plates. The special plates issued under this Section shall be affixed only to passenger vehicles of the first division and motor vehicles of the second division weighing not more than 8,000 pounds. Plates issued under this Section shall expire according to the multi-year procedure established by Section 3-414.1 of this Code.

(b) The color of the plates is wholly within the discretion of the Secretary. The design of the plates shall include the word "Hospice" above drawings of two lilies and a butterfly. The Secretary may allow the plates to be issued as vanity plates or personalized under Section 3-405.1 of the Code. The Secretary shall prescribe stickers or decals as provided under Section 3-412 of this Code.

(c) An applicant for the special plate shall be charged a $25 fee for original issuance in addition to the appropriate registration fee. Of this fee, $10 shall be deposited into the Hospice Fund and $15 shall be deposited into the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund, to be used by the Secretary to help defray the administrative processing costs.

For each registration renewal period, a $25 fee, in addition to the appropriate registration fee, shall be charged. Of this fee, $23 shall be deposited into the Hospice Fund and $2 shall be deposited into the Secretary of State Special License Plate Fund.

(d) The Hospice Fund is created as a special fund in the State treasury. All money in the Hospice Fund shall be paid, subject to appropriation by the General Assembly and distribution by the Secretary, as grants to a statewide organization whose primary membership consists of hospice programs to be used as follows:

(1) To fund projects relating to hospice care for special groups, such as children, veterans, and ethnic, religious, gender, or minority groups, or to provide disease-specific research or outreach.

(2) To fund education and outreach for hospice volunteers, patients, families, and health care professionals.

(3) To fund informational and educational media programs regarding the availability of hospice services.

(4) To fund the expansion or enhancement of a statewide organization whose primary membership consists of hospice programs toll-free referral line operated to provide hospice information.

(5) To fund the expansion or enhancement of a statewide organization whose primary membership consists of hospice programs Internet website.

(6) To cover reasonable costs for special plate advertising.

A statewide organization whose primary membership consists of hospice programs shall distribute grant moneys received under this subsection (d) through a standing committee that reviews funding solicitations and awards.

(Source: P.A. 97-409, eff. 1-1-12.)