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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Idaho House rejects ‘freedom bill’ to do away with front license plate requirement

BOISE – The Idaho House on Thursday rejected legislation to remove the requirement for a front license plate on cars that aren’t manufactured with a spot or bracket for them, a measure that law enforcement in the state vociferously opposed.

“It’s a freedom bill,” Rep. Ron Nate, R-Rexburg, told the House.

The bill, HB 110, was killed on a 28-42 vote; law enforcement agencies said it would decrease officer safety and hurt their ability to identify vehicles to enforce laws on everything from speeding to vehicle theft to Amber Alerts.

Among the 28 “yes” votes were a half-dozen from North Idaho, including Reps. Vito Barbieri, R-Dalton Gardens; Sage Dixon, R-Ponderay; Priscilla Giddings, R-White Bird; Heather Scott, R-Blanchard; Paul Shepherd, R-Riggins; and Caroline Troy, R-Genesee.