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House narrows specialty plate revenues, caps and sets endowment for Utah Historical Society
Summary
The House passed fourth substitute H.B. 324 (special group license plate amendments), directing a capped share of revenues from the popular black license plate to the Utah Historical Society, creating a $10 million endowment and allowing corporate specialty plates if revenue is used for charitable purposes; the bill passed 66-3.
Representative Peterson presented fourth substitute H.B. 3 24, describing the measure as a fiduciary clarification for specialty license-plate revenues after rapid growth in proceeds from the popular black plate. Peterson said the bill directs $2 per plate to the historical society with a $500,000 cap and authorizes a $3.5 million appropriation to create a $10 million endowment intended to produce about $500,000 annually for the society.
"The black plate, has been an amazing success. It's it's gone viral if you will," Peterson said, noting that the plate generated roughly $3.7 million last year and that the bill clarifies how those funds will be allocated between the historical society and the state transportation fund.
The bill also adds a provision that allows corporate-sponsored specialty plates but, after floor discussion and a representative motion, the House inserted a requirement that corporate-plate revenues be used for a charitable purpose. Representative Thurston moved the amendment to require the word "charitable" be added to line 306; the House adopted that amendment on a voice vote.
The fourth substitute passed the House 66-3 and will be transmitted to the Senate. Supporters said the changes provide transparency and ensure that specialty-plate revenues are used for intended purposes; some members sought and received additional guardrails on corporate plate revenue use.
Why it matters: Specialty license-plate programs generate recurring revenue streams that members can direct to designated causes. This bill changes how one high-volume plate's proceeds are allocated and authorizes corporate specialty plates subject to charitable-use restrictions.
Votes at a glance: Fourth substitute H.B. 3 24 — passed by the House, 66 yes, 3 no; transmitted to the Senate.
