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Senate committee advances specialty license plate honoring Espanola lowrider culture
Summary
The Senate Finance Committee voted to give Senate sponsorship a "do pass" recommendation for a specialty license plate recognizing the "lowrider capital of the world," after supporters described cultural and economic benefits and one committee member voiced concern about the proliferation of specialty plates.
A Senate Finance Committee panel voted to recommend a specialty license plate that would recognize Espanola as the "lowrider capital of the world," advancing the bill out of committee after supporters urged the measure on cultural and economic grounds and one member voiced concern about the number of specialty plates in circulation.
The bill’s sponsor, Senator Jaramillo, told the committee that "lowriders aren't only a work of art, they're STEM in motion" and described the plate as a way to "highlight the low riding culture and community with the lowrider capital of the world license plate." He said the plate would cover a range of vehicles, including tow trucks and motorcycles that are customized and used to attend car shows.
Why it matters: supporters said the plate would recognize a local cultural tradition, boost regional tourism and local businesses, and provide a visible acknowledgment that could help young people in the valley connect with their community. Opponents questioned whether the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) is already handling too many specialty plates.
City Councilor Sam Ledoux of Espanola, testifying in support, said the lowrider tradition is "in the veins" of the city and that the cars and projects represent livelihoods and teach practical skills to young people. Scott Lopez, founder of Vida Mejo Capital, a 501(c)(3) based at Okay Owingeh Pueblo in Espanola, urged passage and said a plate and a proposed lowrider museum would bring national attention and economic development to the region. Joshua Martinez, identified as County Chair and County Treasurer for Yoruba County, also spoke in support, calling the bill an opportunity to represent culture and heritage.
Committee members spoke largely in favor. Senator Gonzales described lowrider work as involving "a lot of science" and family traditions spanning generations. Several committee members framed the bill as a cultural recognition that could lift community pride; Senator Tobias called it "a phenomenal bill."
A handful of members raised practical concerns. Senator Brandt said he "doesn't ever support these bills" and noted there are many specialty plates already; he also said he was worried about warehouse stockpiles at the MVD. Supporters responded that car clubs have expressed willingness to purchase the plates if enacted.
Votes and next steps: A motion for a due-pass recommendation was made and the committee recorded Senator Brandt voting no and the following members voting yes: Senator Gonzales, Senator Lanier, Senator Padilla, Senator Steinborn, Senator Tobiassen, Senator Trujillo and Senator Shandoh. The committee announced a due-pass recommendation with seven votes in the affirmative and one in the negative. The bill will move to the next stage in the legislative process with that recommendation.
The committee’s discussion also included informal invitations to visit Espanola and references to a separate effort to create a lowrider museum; those proposals were described by supporters but no formal action on a museum was recorded in committee.
