Committee punts 'First for Veterans' program to interim study while Transportation considers license‑plate funding
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Summary
Lawmakers heard details of a proposed 'First for Veterans' program that would use a specialty license plate to seed a veterans fund but deferred action, voting to interim‑study HB 1753 pending Transportation Committee work on the plate/funding proposal (HB 1415).
The committee heard a multi‑part package to create a "First for Veterans" program and moved to interim study pending parallel action in Transportation.
Representative Jim Creighton, sponsor of HB 1753, told the committee the initiative pairs a specialty license plate with a First for Veterans Fund to advertise for veterans, provide mandatory interviews for state job applicants who are veterans, and supply support (housing, mental health, employment transitions). "The funding stream that will be garnered from the sale of those license plates will go into a First for Veterans Fund," Deputy Adjutant General Nicole Bixler said in testimony.
Creighton said Transportation took HB 1415 (the plate and funding mechanism) and offered an amendment that incorporates the program language from HB1753; given that overlap he recommended the committee place HB1753 in interim study so Transportation can finalize the funding amendment and the House committee will not advance duplicate language.
Committee members supported the approach. At executive session the committee voted to interim study HB 1753 so the Transportation amendment can serve as the primary vehicle; that procedural motion passed unanimously.
Clarifying points: witnesses said the plate income would seed the First for Veterans Fund and that $17.53 (as referenced in testimony) was an initial number associated in bill drafting, but witnesses acknowledged that exact fee and projected revenue would be refined in the Transportation amendment and through fiscal review.
What’s next: Transportation will continue consideration of HB 1415 (the plate/funding mechanism) and the committee’s interim‑study motion preserves HB 1753 as a backup option if Transportation’s amendment does not move forward.
Who spoke: Representative Jim Creighton; Deputy Adjutant General Nicole Bixler; Maj. Gen. David Michalaitis.
Why it matters: If enacted, the program would create a dedicated revenue stream for veteran‑focused outreach and services; the measure’s fiscal details will hinge on the specialty plate fee and how the fund is administered.
