On February 18, 2025, the House Agriculture, State & Public Lands & Water Resources Committee convened to discuss a proposed bill aimed at creating a specialty license plate to celebrate rodeo as Wyoming's official state sport. The initiative, introduced by Senator Bonner, seeks to raise funds for rodeo programs at the University of Wyoming and community colleges, while also promoting the cultural significance of rodeo in the state.

Senator Bonner highlighted that the bill is modeled after existing donor license plates, proposing a base fee of $30 for the rodeo plate, with an option for additional donations. The senator noted that the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) would handle the design and production of the plates, which are expected to be available by January 1, 2026, if the bill passes.

During the meeting, committee members raised questions regarding the production costs and potential sales of the new plates. It was revealed that the cost to produce the plates would be approximately $2,000, with a break-even point estimated at around 67 plates sold. The discussion also touched on the popularity of other specialty plates, indicating a hopeful outlook for the rodeo plate's success.

Some committee members suggested increasing the base fee from $30 to $50, arguing that this adjustment could better reflect the value of the plate and potentially generate more funds for rodeo programs. The conversation included proposals to allocate the additional revenue directly to college rodeo initiatives, emphasizing the importance of supporting local educational programs.

The committee ultimately moved forward with the bill, indicating a strong interest in promoting rodeo culture while also addressing funding for educational programs. As the legislative process continues, the outcome of this initiative could significantly impact the visibility and support for rodeo in Wyoming, reinforcing its status as a cherished state tradition.