Bill Analyses and Ratings
Bill Information: S1325 – White and Black License Plates with Law Enforcement …
Bill Summary
Senate Bill 1325 creates a new optional specialty license plate program featuring white and black plates for eligible vehicles under 26,000 pounds. The bill amends Section 49-402 to add this program to the fee structure and establishes new Section 49-417G to govern the program’s operation. Vehicle owners who choose these plates pay an initial fee of $70 and an annual renewal fee of $50, in addition to standard registration fees.
The fee revenue is split between administrative costs and law enforcement funding. Five dollars from both the initial and renewal fees goes to the state highway account for program administration. The remaining $65 from the initial fee and $45 from the renewal fee are transferred to the Idaho Law Enforcement Fund for purposes specified in Section 49-454(3). The bill also allows purchase of sample plates for $30, with $25 going to the law enforcement fund.
The program takes effect July 1, 2026, and is exempt from the standard requirements for new specialty plate programs under Section 49-402D. Plate design requires department approval, with initial design costs paid by the Idaho Law Enforcement Fund. Owners may transfer the plates to another vehicle upon payment of transfer fees.
Overall Assessment
This bill creates a voluntary specialty license plate program that generates revenue for law enforcement through optional fees paid by vehicle owners. The program imposes new costs on participating motorists—$70 initially and $50 annually—with the majority of these fees directed to the Idaho Law Enforcement Fund. While participation is optional, the bill establishes a new fee structure that increases costs for those who choose these plates.
Rating Breakdown
ARTICLE I. RESPONSIBILITY IN GOVERNMENT (-1)
Section 49-402(9) adds the new 49-417G program with an initial fee of $70 and annual fee of $50, creating new costs for vehicle owners who participate. Section 49-417G(3) establishes these mandatory fees for anyone choosing these specialty plates. While the program is voluntary, it creates a new fee structure that increases government revenue through optional charges on motorists.
ARTICLE II. CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT IN GOVERNMENT (0)
The bill establishes a motor vehicle license plate program with associated fees and administrative procedures. It contains no provisions related to elections, voting, citizen participation in government processes, or civic engagement.
ARTICLE III. EDUCATION (0)
The bill creates a specialty license plate program and fee structure. It contains no provisions addressing education policy, schools, curriculum, parental rights in education, or educational funding.
ARTICLE IV. AGRICULTURE (0)
The bill addresses vehicle registration and specialty license plates. It contains no provisions related to agriculture, farming, ranching, agricultural education, or agricultural water rights.
ARTICLE V. WATER (0)
The bill establishes a license plate program with no connection to water rights, water management, inter-basin transfers, or any water-related policy matters.
ARTICLE VI. NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT (0)
The bill creates a specialty license plate program without any provisions addressing natural resources, environmental policy, land management, or conservation issues.
ARTICLE VII. ENERGY (0)
The bill concerns vehicle registration plates and fees. It contains no provisions related to energy policy, energy production, hydroelectric power, or utility regulation.
ARTICLE VIII. IDAHO NATIONAL LABORATORIES (0)
The bill establishes a license plate program with no connection to the Idaho National Laboratory, nuclear research, or technology development.
ARTICLE IX. PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS (0)
The bill creates a voluntary specialty plate program that does not regulate private property, impose takings, or affect property development rights. Participation in the program is entirely optional for vehicle owners.
ARTICLE X. STATE AND FEDERAL LANDS (0)
The bill addresses vehicle registration without any provisions related to federal land management, state control of lands, or land ownership issues.
ARTICLE XI. WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT (0)
The bill creates a license plate program with no provisions addressing fish and game management, hunting, fishing, wildlife conservation, or predator control.
ARTICLE XII. ECONOMY (0)
While the bill establishes fees for specialty plates, participation is entirely voluntary and does not impose regulatory burdens on businesses or affect commerce. The program creates an optional consumer choice rather than mandatory economic regulation.
ARTICLE XIII. HEALTH AND WELFARE (0)
The bill establishes a specialty license plate program without any provisions related to healthcare, health insurance, medical decisions, or welfare programs.
ARTICLE XIV. AMERICAN FAMILY (0)
The bill creates a vehicle license plate program with no provisions addressing family values, marriage, parental authority, or child welfare issues.
ARTICLE XV. OLDER AMERICANS (0)
The bill establishes a specialty plate program available to all eligible vehicle owners without specific provisions addressing older Americans, retirement, or senior services.
ARTICLE XVI. LAW AND ORDER WITH JUSTICE (0)
Section 49-417G(3) directs $65 of the initial fee and $45 of renewal fees to the Idaho Law Enforcement Fund for purposes described in Section 49-454(3). However, the bill itself does not address criminal justice processes, gun rights, death penalty, victim rights, or other law enforcement policy matters enumerated in this metric—it merely establishes a funding mechanism.
ARTICLE XVII. NATIONAL DEFENSE – SECURING THE BORDER (0)
The bill creates a specialty license plate program with no provisions related to military veterans, national defense, border security, or terrorism prevention.
ARTICLE XVIII. ELECTION OF JUDGES AND IDAHO SUPREME COURT JUSTICES (0)
The bill establishes a license plate program without any provisions addressing judicial elections, judicial selection processes, or constitutional interpretation.
ARTICLE XIX. RELIGIOUS LIBERTY (0)
The bill creates a specialty license plate program with no provisions related to religious freedom, free exercise of religion, or conscience protections.