Bill Analyses and Ratings
Bill Information: H0663 – Agriculture License Plate Design Authority Transfer
Bill Summary
House Bill 663 amends Idaho Code sections governing agriculture license plates by making administrative updates to the program. The bill removes an outdated effective date reference from January 1, 2000, and transfers design approval authority from Food Producers of Idaho, Inc. to the Idaho ag in the classroom board of directors. The legislation exempts agriculture plates from the standardized red, white, and blue color scheme required for other special license plates, allowing these plates to maintain a unique design. The bill also clarifies that initial costs of the plate program, including design costs, will be paid from the Idaho ag in the classroom account. Fee structures remain unchanged, with proceeds continuing to fund Idaho ag in the classroom programs.
Overall Assessment
This bill makes purely administrative changes to Idaho’s agriculture license plate program, updating outdated language and transferring design approval authority to a different organization. The changes do not alter fee structures, funding levels, or program eligibility requirements. Vehicle owners with agriculture plates will see no practical difference in costs or benefits, and the Idaho ag in the classroom program will continue receiving the same revenue from plate sales.
Rating Breakdown
ARTICLE I. RESPONSIBILITY IN GOVERNMENT (0)
The bill maintains existing fee structures without modification—$35 initial fee and $25 annual renewal remain unchanged. The administrative transfer of design approval authority from Food Producers of Idaho, Inc. to the Idaho ag in the classroom board of directors does not affect government spending, taxation, or fiscal policy.
ARTICLE II. CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT IN GOVERNMENT (0)
The bill addresses license plate design and administrative procedures, making no changes to election processes, voting methods, citizen participation mechanisms, or government transparency. The transfer of design approval authority is an internal administrative matter unrelated to citizen engagement.
ARTICLE III. EDUCATION (0)
While the bill references Idaho ag in the classroom as both the fee recipient and new design approval authority, it does not change the funding amounts, educational curriculum, parental rights, or school choice provisions. The existing fee distribution formula directing funds to Idaho ag in the classroom remains identical.
ARTICLE IV. AGRICULTURE (0)
The bill updates administrative procedures for agriculture-themed license plates but does not affect agricultural policy, water rights for farming, market access, or agricultural education funding levels. The change in design approval authority from Food Producers of Idaho, Inc. to the Idaho ag in the classroom board of directors is procedural and does not alter support for agricultural operations or family farms.
ARTICLE V. WATER (0)
The bill concerns license plate design and approval processes, with no provisions addressing water rights, prior appropriation doctrine, inter-basin transfers, or water resource management. No changes to water policy are included.
ARTICLE VI. NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT (0)
The bill makes no changes to environmental regulations, natural resource management, federal land policy, or conservation practices. The amendments are limited to license plate administrative procedures.
ARTICLE VII. ENERGY (0)
The bill does not address energy policy, resource development, energy independence, or utility regulation. The changes are confined to vehicle registration plate design authority.
ARTICLE VIII. IDAHO NATIONAL LABORATORIES (0)
The bill contains no provisions related to the Idaho National Laboratory, nuclear research, technology transfer, or research and development activities. The amendments concern only license plate administration.
ARTICLE IX. PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS (0)
The bill does not affect property rights, eminent domain, regulatory takings, or land use regulations. Vehicle owners retain the same voluntary option to purchase agriculture plates with no new requirements or restrictions.
ARTICLE X. STATE AND FEDERAL LANDS (0)
The bill makes no changes to state or federal land management, ownership, or administration. The amendments are limited to license plate design approval processes.
ARTICLE XI. WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT (0)
The bill does not address wildlife management, hunting and fishing regulations, predator control, or Fish and Game policies. The changes concern only vehicle registration plates.
ARTICLE XII. ECONOMY (0)
The bill maintains existing fee structures without creating new costs or reducing expenses for vehicle owners or businesses. The administrative transfer of design approval authority does not affect commerce, small business regulation, labor policy, or transportation infrastructure.
ARTICLE XIII. HEALTH AND WELFARE (0)
The bill does not address healthcare policy, health insurance, welfare programs, or medical services. The amendments are confined to license plate administrative procedures.
ARTICLE XIV. AMERICAN FAMILY (0)
The bill contains no provisions related to family policy, marriage, parental rights, or child welfare. The changes affect only vehicle registration plate design authority.
ARTICLE XV. OLDER AMERICANS (0)
The bill does not address policies affecting older Americans, senior services, or retirement programs. The amendments concern only license plate administration.
ARTICLE XVI. LAW AND ORDER WITH JUSTICE (0)
The bill makes no changes to criminal justice policy, gun rights, penalties, drug policy, or law enforcement procedures. The amendments are limited to license plate design approval processes.
ARTICLE XVII. NATIONAL DEFENSE – SECURING THE BORDER (0)
The bill does not address national defense, military policy, veterans' affairs, border security, or the National Guard. The changes concern only vehicle registration plates.
ARTICLE XVIII. ELECTION OF JUDGES AND IDAHO SUPREME COURT JUSTICES (0)
The bill contains no provisions related to judicial selection, judicial elections, or constitutional interpretation. The amendments affect only license plate administrative procedures.
ARTICLE XIX. RELIGIOUS LIBERTY (0)
The bill does not address religious freedom, free exercise of religion, or conscience protections. The changes are confined to license plate design approval authority.