Provides for prestige license plates for the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. (8/1/12)
The passage of SB193 impacts state laws by creating a new category of motor vehicle license plates, thus expanding the options available to citizens. The bill stipulates an annual royalty fee of twenty-five dollars for each plate, which will be collected by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections. This fee will not only cover administrative costs but will also provide funds to the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, which they plan to utilize for scholarships directed at Louisiana residents.
Senate Bill 193 aims to establish a special prestige motor vehicle license plate for the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. This legislation allows for the issuance of distinctive license plates that can be made available to any citizen of Louisiana, provided there is a sufficient demand of at least one thousand applicants. The design of the plates will be specified by the fraternity, as long as it adheres to the state’s standards for such plates.
General sentiment around SB193 appears to be positive, as it presents an opportunity for community engagement and support for educational funding. The establishment of a license plate program is generally viewed as a ceremonial honor for the fraternity, allowing members to display pride in their organization while contributing to charitable causes. The bill received unanimous support in the House during its final vote, indicating a broad consensus on its merits.
While the bill seemed to gain considerable support, discussions around the nuances such as the sufficiency of the application threshold and the allocation of fees for scholarships fostered some contention. Stakeholders may debate whether the targeted fundraising through specialty plates is the best measure for community support or educational funding. Nonetheless, the bill’s primary focus on fostering an iconic representation of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity remains central to its intent.