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Senate committee backs bill to bar profane or violent language on specialty license plates
Summary
The Senate Tax, Business and Transportation Committee advanced a bill to codify restrictions on specialty license-plate text, citing concerns about profanity, promotion of drugs and violence; the motion passed unanimously in committee.
Senate Tax, Business and Transportation Committee advanced Senate Bill 128, which would put into statute rules limiting content on specialty and personalized license plates, after brief sponsor remarks and no public testimony.
Sponsor Sen. Ben Ray Duhigg said the measure would replace current Motor Vehicle Division policy with statutory language. “I don't think there is a First Amendment issue with this,” Duhigg said, arguing that the state need not be required to produce profane or violent language as part of its licensing process.
The bill would prohibit special registration plates that include text that is “derogatory, offensive, or misleading, obscene, vulgar, sexually explicit or profane, promotes drugs, alcohol or other intoxicating substances, or promotes violence or gang affiliation.” Duhigg told the committee he will share examples of previously denied plate requests with members outside the hearing to avoid repeating profanity in public session.
There was no public testimony in person or online in opposition or support. Committee Chair reported a motion for a do-pass recommendation and the committee voted unanimously to advance the bill. Rebecca called the roll and committee staff recorded a unanimous 10–0 do-pass vote.
The bill will move next through the legislative process for further consideration by leadership and other committees as appropriate.
