Senate advances bill to raise registration fee by $1.25 to reimburse county DMVs

Senators passed Senate Bill 91 on third reading to raise the motor vehicle registration fee by $1.25, from $56.75 to $58, and to deposit that increase into a fund to reimburse counties that operate Department of Motor Vehicle services on the state’s behalf.

Senator Wilson, the bill sponsor, told colleagues that counties run DMV services in 21 of 29 counties and that the state’s contract with counties has not been updated for more than 20 years. "Reimbursements have decreased so much over the years while costs, especially personnel costs, have increased so quickly that running the office doesn't make sense for many of the counties," he said, and estimated the initial collection would be about $4.1 million to help cover county deficits.

Under the bill, reimbursements to counties would be allocated based on the number of transactions each county performs. Wilson said the proposal also envisions establishing a state‑run DMV office in Cache County to stabilize local services as part of the initial distribution of funds.

The Senate recorded 26 yea, 0 nay and 3 absent on the roll call and read the bill for a third time. President Adams announced the bill would advance on the calendar for further consideration.

SB 91 evidence in the record consists of the sponsor’s floor explanation and the roll‑call count as read into the record.