Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the License Plates topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Debate in Utah House over making 'In God We Trust' a standard license plate option
Summary
Representative Val Peterson’s bill to make the 'In God We Trust' specialty plate one of Utah’s standard DMV plate options passed the House 68–4 on Feb. 12, 2016; supporters said it expands an optional choice, critics raised concerns that the change reduces a specialty fee and effectively subsidizes a religious message.
Representative Val Peterson introduced first substitute HB127 to make the “In God We Trust” specialty plate one of the three standard plates available from the Division of Motor Vehicles. Peterson said the specialty plate had grown to more than 12,000 subscribers and making it a standard option would make it visible and optional for purchasers at no additional mandatory cost.
Opponents asked about fiscal effects. Representative King noted a fiscal note indicating a $100,000 upfront cost to purchase the first set of blanks and an estimated $33,500 change in annual revenue tied to elimination of a specialty recognition fee. King warned the change could mean taxpayers effectively subsidize a religious message and urged caution about privileging a set of beliefs in state policy.
Supporters defended the bill as optional and symbolic; Representative Christiansen said those who object can choose another plate. After floor debate, the House passed first substitute HB127 68–4 and transmitted it to the Senate.
