Assembly Bill 296 would let Nevada drivers opt into a vendor‑facilitated installment payment option for vehicle registration fees, create a framework for an optional digital license plate program and extend a mileage‑collection pilot through 2030, Assemblyman Howard Watts told the Senate Finance Committee.

The bill’s sponsor described three separate components: an optional, vendor‑run installment program limited to 12 months and to registrations of $250 or more; an authorization for the Department of Motor Vehicles to approve voluntary digital license plates; and a four‑year extension of an existing mileage data pilot used to inform future highway funding discussions.

The measure would require any third‑party installment offer to disclose charges up front and cap total fees charged to a consumer at 15 percent of the financed amount. Watts said the vendor would remit the full registration payment to the DMV up front so the state receives its revenue immediately while the vendor collects monthly payments from the customer.

"For that minimum amount of $250, the maximum amount of fees that could be charged on that would be $37.50, for a total amount of $287.50," Watts said, using the example to show how a monthly option could reduce a single‑time burden.

Watts told the committee the DMV lacks the internal staffing and modernized systems to provide installment plans directly without significant programming costs and new collection infrastructure. The bill instead directs the DMV to issue an RFP and set limits and consumer protections in procurement.

Several committee members and witnesses pushed back on consumer‑protection risks. Jonathan Norman of the Nevada Coalition of Legal Service Providers said licensing under existing chapters could nonetheless leave consumers vulnerable to being rolled into higher‑cost products if they fall behind.

"There will be no way for consumers not to get rolled into that high interest loan if they fall behind," Norman warned, citing FID’s ongoing licensing activity and concerns about fees, late penalties and collection costs that can magnify small debts.

Watts and other supporters said the bill includes guardrails: a 15 percent cap on permitted fees, a prohibition on rolling the product into other higher‑interest offerings, and the requirement that vendors be licensed and regulated by the Financial Institutions Division under chapter 675. Senator Cannizzaro noted that FID regulation and licensing would apply to vendors.

On digital plates, Jimmy Lau of Reviver told the committee the plates use e‑ink technology; once an image is displayed on the plate it will remain readable even if the plate loses power or the battery drains. The digital‑plate portion of the bill authorizes the DMV to approve the technology and sets fee parity so consumers would pay the same registration fees as with metal plates plus any optional device charge.

The mileage pilot extension applies to data collection in Clark and Washoe counties and to manual odometer reporting where automated capture is not available. Proponents said continuing the pilot through 2030 is needed to measure electric‑vehicle use and build an accurate data foundation before considering mileage‑based revenue changes.

Supporters including trade groups and policy advocates said the bill would give low‑income drivers more options to keep vehicles registered and help the state recoup otherwise‑lost revenue. Opponents urged alternatives such as shorter sticker periods and expressed concern about setting up installment markets that replicate payday‑loan harms.

The committee took testimony and closed the hearing on the bill; no committee vote was recorded during the hearing.

The bill will return to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration after staff reviews and possible amendments.