Committee approves bill to reintroduce two retro Idaho license plates, amid trademark and pricing objections

The Idaho House Transportation Committee on an unrecorded voice vote recommended passage of House Bill 204, a measure to reintroduce two retro license-plate designs, including a specialty black plate supporting the Idaho Potato Commission and a lower-cost white-and-teal plate that critics said would compete with the state’s long-standing red, white and blue plate.

Representative Doug Pickett, the bill sponsor, told the committee the proposal would make two historic plates available again because “the public is asking for it.” He described the black plate as a specialty plate with a $70 initial registration fee and a $50 renewal, and said $45 of the initial fee and $35 of the renewal would go to the Idaho Transportation Department while the remainder would go to the Idaho Potato Commission for research and promotion.

The Idaho Heritage Trust, represented by Executive Director Catherine Kirk, supported the black potato plate but opposed the white-and-teal plate. “IHT does not support the introduction of the teal and white specialty plate,” Kirk said, arguing the white-and-teal option appears to function as a new standard plate with no sponsor, no specialty fee and no designated beneficiary. Kirk told the committee the trust holds a license agreement tied to the red, white and blue plate and said the trust’s royalties have historically supported historic-preservation grants across the state.

Committee members asked technical questions about color, price and county designators. Representative Harris sought clarification on whether the teal plate would resemble Washington’s design; Pickett replied, “It will be teal, Representative Harris. Thank you for that clarification. It will not be a Washington plate.” Representative Gannon asked whether the proposed plates would include the county designator; Pickett confirmed they would not.

Representative Monks moved the committee recommendation to send House Bill 204 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation; the motion carried by voice vote with no roll call.

Why it matters: The red, white and blue license plate is a long-established state trademark that, according to testimony, generates royalties used for historic preservation. Opponents contend introducing a lower-cost plate that functions like a standard plate could reduce royalties and “dilute” the state’s plate brand; supporters and the sponsor say the retro plates respond to public demand and the specialty black plate will raise funds for the Idaho Potato Commission.

The bill will proceed to the full House. Representative Pickett is listed as the floor sponsor.