State committee backs billto limit specialty licence plates

BOISE (AP) - Lawmakers are pushing legislation that would limit the number of specialty license plates appearing on Idaho cars and trucks in the future.

The Senate Transportation Committee sent a bill to the Senate Tuesday that would restrict future plates to only state or public agencies or foundations supporting the interests of government.

Existing plates would be grandfathered in to the program, but would be expected to meet specific benchmarks in the future, like reaching at least $1,000 in sales.

But starting next year, the state would only create specialty plates for government organizations.

Supporters say proceeds from plate sales for private groups and charities complain that state government doesn't benefit from the program.

Caldwell Republican Sen. John McGee voted against the measure, saying the proposed rules overreach.