Three specialty plates, limits approved

A bill that aims to decrease the number of organizations seeking specialty license plates by making those groups pay the cost of producing the plates passed the House 42-25 Monday.

But first lawmakers approved bills to authorize three more specialty plates.

Drivers would have the option of buying a plate to promote the Idaho Historical Society, breast cancer awareness or their National Rifle Association membership.

Yet another bill to create a plate for the Elks Rehabilitation Hospital passed the House last week.

If all four are approved by the Senate, the number of specialty plates in Idaho would jump to 65.

“Enough already,” said Rep. Ken Roberts, R-McCall, speaking in favor of the bill that would slow specialty license plate production.

Specialty plates that have been available at least three years must sell at least 1,000 in two years to remain on the market.

HB 609 eliminates that requirement but requires that organizations foot the cost of producing a specialty plate: an estimated $6,000.

The bill also would steer money from the sale of specialty plates to highway maintenance rather than the group promoting the plate.

Short stack supports Young Life groups

IHOP restaurants in Spokane, Spokane Valley and Coeur d’Alene will offer a free short stack of pancakes all day today to help support area Young Life youth groups.

The promotion is part of National Pancake Day, a centuries-old tradition in England known as Shrove Tuesday.

Customers are invited to make a donation to Young Life for every short stack (three) of pancakes served.

Young Life is a multidenominational outreach ministry that strives to build relationships with teenagers, and in doing so help them navigate adolescence.