Pascua Yaqui tribe special plates
The bill amends Arizona Revised Statutes Title 28, particularly by adding section 28-2470.18, which provides detailed provisions for the issuance of the special plates. It specifies that a portion of the fees collected from the issuance and renewal of these plates will be directed to the state highway fund and to the Pascua Yaqui tribe for specific purposes such as education scholarships for children and legal assistance for unrepresented persons. This financial framework is expected to generate a recurring source of revenue for these critical community support areas.
Senate Bill 1642 proposes the establishment of special vehicle plates representing the Pascua Yaqui tribe, aimed at generating funds to support the tribe's educational scholarships and legal assistance programs. Under the bill, to issue these plates, individuals must pay a one-time fee of $32,000 to the department by December 31, 2023. This initiative is designed to celebrate the tribe's heritage while providing financial resources to support its community members' educational and legal needs.
While proponents of SB1642 argue that the bill promotes cultural recognition and supports essential community services, concerns have been raised about the administrative requirements and the substantial upfront fee associated with obtaining these plates. Critics may point to the cost as a potential barrier for many tribal members and question whether sufficient outreach will be conducted to ensure the program's intended beneficiaries can access these resources. Discussions surrounding the effectiveness and execution of allocated funds for the intended purposes are likely to emerge as the bill progresses.