Sec.14-19a-4. Criteria for qualification of an organization

An organization to be qualified shall submit proof acceptable to the commissioner that it meets the following criteria:

(a) It is a non-profit organization as demonstrated in its charter or by-laws and any Internal Revenue Service ruling, copies of which may be required by the commissioner;

(b) The primary purpose of the organization is service to the community through a specific program which has as its goal improvement in public health, education or general welfare, and the organization is not limited to social activities. Organizations of military service veterans, towns, municipal corporations, organizations of police or firefighters, and similar public service organizations, need not comply with this subsection;

(c) The legend of the organization and its emblem are not obscene, do not promote, advertise or endorse a product, brand or service provided for sale, and do not promote any specific religious belief. An organization, association or trade group whose primary purpose is to advertise or promote commerce is not eligible;

(d) The legend of the organization and its emblem as they appear on the special number plate does not infringe or otherwise violate a trademark, trade name, service mark, copyright or other proprietary right or property right, and the organization has the right to use the legend and emblem. The commissioner may require from the officers of the organization a statement under oath that the organization is authorized to use the legend and emblem and that no infringement or violation of any property right exists, together with an agreement to hold harmless the State of Connecticut or any of its agents or employees for any liability as a result of an infringement or violation of any such right;

(e) The organization shall have its headquarters or a base of operations in this state, and if it is a chapter or branch of an international, national or regional organization located in this state, it shall be in good standing and authorized in writing by the parent organization to use the legend and emblem thereof;

(f) The organization shall designate one of its officers or members as a contact person responsible for all communications with the commissioner. The name, address and telephone number of such person shall be filed with the commissioner. Such person shall be responsible for verifying current membership and good standing of a person in such organization when so requested by the commissioner;

(g) The organization through its contact person shall submit to the commissioner a distinctive emblem which shall appear on each special number plate issued to a member of such organization. Such emblem shall be approved by the commissioner.

(h) Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, an organization which consists exclusively of volunteers, and which provides significant community service, may qualify for the issuance of special number plates as determined in the sole discretion of the commissioner.

(Effective July 25, 1994; Amended June 2, 2004)