Child health and safety: “Have a Heart, Be a Star, Help Our Kids” license plate program.

Assembly Member Stefani's proposal to modify California's "Have a Heart, Be a Star, Help Our Kids" license plate program includes fee increases and revenue reallocation to expand child safety initiatives. The measure adjusts fees for personalized plates from $50 to $90 for initial issuance and from $40 to $80 for renewals, while department-assigned plates would increase from $20 to $40 for initial issuance and require an additional $30 for renewals.

The bill creates a two-phase implementation for revenue distribution through the Child Health and Safety Fund. Before July 2027, half of the collected fees would support state and local childcare provider services, including licensure, oversight, and training. The remaining funds would address childcare safety and health programs. After July 2027, the revenue split would shift - 50% would fund programs addressing issues like vehicular safety, drowning prevention, and sports injury prevention, while the other half would support child abuse prevention efforts through county and state children's trust funds.

County First 5 commissions would receive funding allocations based on population size, with specific requirements to use these resources for recruiting childcare providers and supporting provider education. The measure also designates funds for the State Department of Public Health to provide technical assistance and oversee injury prevention programs, while establishing support for a statewide injury prevention network through the Safer California Project.