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Utah House OKs autism specialty license plate to fund outreach and research
Summary
The House passed HB 327 to create an autism awareness specialty license plate designed to raise funds for research and family outreach. Sponsor Representative Rebecca Edwards cited rising autism rates and said preorders and statutory requirements have been met; the bill passed and was sent to the Senate.
The Utah House on Feb. 26 passed House Bill 327, authorizing an autism awareness specialty license plate intended to raise money for research, education and family outreach programs.
Representative Rebecca Edwards, sponsor, described the plate as a “way for this organization to receive some additional funds” and cited state figures showing a 57 percent rise in identified autism cases over the previous decade, noting ‘‘1 in 100 of our children diagnosed with this disability in the year 02/2007’’ and ‘‘for boys, the figure is 1 in 58.’’ She also cited the statutory process in Section 63J‑154 that requires 200 preorders and a startup fee before the Tax Commission approves a new specialty plate.
Supporters emphasized awareness and the practical benefit of creating a revenue vehicle for services. Representative Cheryl Allen said, “If ever there was a license plate that I think was worthy of having a license plate, this is it,” and Representative Barris and Representative Watkins spoke in favor citing prior legislative efforts to support families.
Representative Dougal questioned the role of the Tax Commission in collecting funds, saying he was ‘‘wondering why we need the Tax Commission in the fundraising business.’’ Representative Edwards responded that the commission’s involvement follows the code’s process and that concerns about retiring underused plates could be discussed outside the immediate vote.
The House voted to pass HB 327, with a tally of 57 yes and 12 no, and the bill will be transmitted to the Senate for further consideration.
