Rep. Brian Cronin's, D-Boise, mountain biking license plate has received the OK from the House Transportation and Defense Committee. The matter went before the panel Friday afternoon and passed without much opposition.
The bill, if passed by the House and Senate, would create a license plate with a mountain biker figure displayed. Cronin reported to the committee that proceeds from the plate will help to enhance local trails and will spur tourism. The money will be directed to the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, which will then pay out the funds to help in trail maintenance. Cronin estimates the plates could generate as much as $10,000 a year the department.
Like other plates offered by the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), drivers who choose the biking plates would be charged $35 for a first time registration, with $13 of that ITD and the other $22 going to Parks and Rec for trail upkeep. For annual renewal, drivers would pay $25, with the standard $13 going to ITD and $12 going for trails.
Several legislators were in favor of the measure, but not everyone was thrilled with the plate. Rep. Ken Roberts, R-Donnelly, voted against the measure because he believes Idaho has too many of the custom plates.
"I've voted against custom license plates and I'm not going to change now," said Roberts.
The bill now moves on to the full House for a vote. See ITD's plate offerings here.
