Senate passes bill to limit Idaho specialty plates

BOISE, Idaho (AP) - The Senate has overwhelmingly approved legislation to limit the number of Idaho's specialty license plates.

The chamber voted 31-2 Friday to restrict future specialty license plates only for government purposes or foundations that support government activities.

The bill now moves to the House where a similar version died last year.

The bill's champion is Sen. Jim Hammond from Coeur d'Alene. He says growth in the program has put government in a position to raise money for private organizations that have gotten clearance for special plates.

The state currently has more than 30 specialty plates that raise $1.6 million a year, with most of that raised by wildlife plates aimed at benefiting the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

The bill would grandfather in existing special plates.

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