Rep. Frazier seeks specialty ‘Divine 9’ license plates to support affiliated charities

Representative Frazier introduced House File 3486 to authorize a new specialty license plate category honoring members of the National Panhellenic Council—commonly called the Divine 9—and to direct proceeds to affiliated nonprofit foundations. He framed the proposal as recognition of a century-plus of scholarship, leadership and civic service from historically Black fraternities and sororities.

Dr. Stephanie Brash, president of the Minneapolis–Saint Paul alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, testified about local service and scholarships and called the plate "more than a plate"—a public affirmation of the organizations' contributions. Other speakers from Phi Beta Sigma, Sigma Gamma Rho and similar organizations gave testimony about community programs and how proceeds could support scholarships and civic work.

Committee discussion moved quickly through a series of specialty-plate amendments. Members said the committee had an understanding about limiting the number of new specialty plates this year but nonetheless heard and adopted multiple amendments creating or clarifying plates for individual services, curling, winter sports, food banks, the rare disease community and aviation among others. Committee chairs and members noted the operational cost of designing and maintaining plates and discussed options for sponsor-paid design costs.

Representative Frazier and supporters said the plates provide visibility and fundraising for organizations that have historically operated with limited formal recognition; opponents or skeptics raised scheduling and prioritization concerns. House File 3486 and its associated amendments were laid over to allow administrative follow-up on revenue allocation, plate design cost and the order in which specialty plates will be processed.