Committee advances Route 66 specialty plate bill with amendment changing effective publication and adding Highway 54

Committee staff opened discussion of SB 98 by describing a Route 66 specialty plate proposal brought by the Route 66 Association of Kansas. The reviser said the organization sought plates with a guaranteed number of distinctive plates "anywhere from 25 to a hundred" and that usual issuance and design fees would apply, with proceeds deposited into a fund paid to the Route 66 Association of Kansas.

An amendment was offered to add Highway 54 to the bill and to change the bill's effective date so it would take effect upon publication in the Kansas Register rather than when codified in the statute book. The amendment was seconded by Representative Anderson. Representative Paul Heisel asked whether publication in the Kansas Register or entry in the statute book made the bill effective sooner; a committee member summarized that the change "really actually just affects when the bill goes into effect."

Representative Collins suggested an alternative effective date of June 6, but the committee moved forward with the publication change. Representative Goddard observed the bill likely will go to conference committee; other members discussed using the bill as a negotiating tool with the Senate in conference. The committee approved the amendment by voice and returned to the bill.

A motion to pass SB 98 out favorably, as amended, was moved and seconded by Representative Helgerson; the committee approved the motion (the transcript records "motion carries" but does not include a roll‑call tally).