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House approves lower fee, exemption for amateur-radio license plates
Summary
The Utah House voted to reduce fees for amateur radio specialty license plates and reinstate an exemption that would identify operators who volunteer during disasters; supporters said the change imposes no cost to the state, while some members raised equity and cost concerns. The bill passed 55–14 and will go to the Senate.
The Utah House of Representatives passed House Bill 10 on a 55–14 vote after a lengthy explanation of the measure and a short floor exchange over whether the state should selectively waive specialty-plate fees.
Representative Wright, sponsor of HB10, said the bill reduces the fee for amateur-radio plates from $30 to $5 and restores the prior exemption so amateur operators can be easily identified while providing emergency communications. “Amateur radio operators have have provided a tremendous amount of public service over the years to disasters,” Wright said, adding the change was meant to encourage identification of operators who assist in emergencies.
Representative LeBaron said the measure was coordinated with an upcoming generic specialty-plate bill (House Bill 203) and thanked Wright for cooperating so both bills will interface properly. Some members questioned whether exempting one group while charging others (for example, National Guard plates) was fair. Representative Arrington asked whether the exemption would create an undue state subsidy; Wright replied the intent is to recognize the public‑service role of amateur operators and to minimize barriers for volunteers, not to impose a cost on the state.
Representative Valentine and other supporters said the exemption merely restores the earlier status (pre‑1987) when such plates were issued without the additional personalized fee and stressed the public‑safety value of clearly identified amateur radio volunteers during natural disasters and emergency operations.
After debate, the House voted to pass HB10; the bill will be forwarded to the Senate for further consideration.
Next steps: HB10 now moves to the Senate, where committees may hold further hearings and votes.
