Committee hears bill to create Route 66 distinctive license plate

The Committee on Transportation opened a hearing on Senate Bill 98, which would authorize a distinctive license plate for the Route 66 Association of Kansas. Committee staff reviewer Chris outlined the bill's basic elements: vehicle owners could obtain the plate upon payment of regular registration fees under KSA 8‑143 plus a logo‑use royalty fee set by the sponsoring organization and payable annually, with the sponsoring organization receiving monthly royalty distributions.

Chris told the committee the distinctive plate would be subject to the requirements of KSA 8‑141, including an initial production threshold of 250 plates and payment of up to $5,000 in initial design costs by the sponsoring organization before the plate will be produced. The bill's provisions were described as effective July 1, 2025, with applications beginning Jan. 1, 2026.

Senator Kim Schallenberger, a proponent, described the local significance of Route 66 in Kansas. "There are 13.2 miles of Route 66…they're all in Cherokee County," she said, and noted the route draws tour groups and international visitors; she also mentioned the approaching 100th anniversary of Route 66. Aaron Perry, identified as vice president of the Route 66 Association of Kansas, participated by Webex but experienced technical difficulties and the committee accepted his written testimony.

Committee staff noted the fiscal note was typical for a distinctive license plate. No neutral or opposing testimony was offered at the hearing, and the committee closed testimony and moved on to the next bill on the agenda.