Louisiana House Bill HB673

Louisiana 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/20
• Refer: 2/28/20
• Refer: 3/9/20

Caption

Creates the "West Feliciana Parish Schools" specialty license plate

Impact

The bill mandates the collection of an annual royalty fee of $25, which will be in addition to the existing motor vehicle license tax. This fee is designated to be forwarded to the West Feliciana Parish Public School System, potentially providing a new source of funding for local educational programs. The implementation of this bill aims not only to generate financial support for schools but also to increase awareness and pride in local educational institutions through the visibility of personalized license plates.

Summary

House Bill 673 proposes the creation of a special prestige license plate known as the 'West Feliciana Parish Schools' plate. This initiative requires a minimum of 1,000 applicants for the plate to be issued, thereby catering to local pride and community support for public education. The design of the plate will be determined in collaboration with the West Feliciana Parish Schools superintendent, ensuring that it reflects the local educational values and aesthetics.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding HB 673 appears to be positive, with supporters praising its potential to raise funds for public schools and enhance the community's identity. Local residents and school advocates are likely to see the prestige plate as a way to express their support for education and encourage civic engagement. However, there may be concerns about the actual effectiveness of the initiative in generating adequate funds, given the requirement for a minimum number of applicants.

Contention

While the bill focuses on generating revenue for education, some critics may argue about the necessity of creating additional license plate types and the potential bureaucratic hurdles involved in implementation. The bill also requires the state’s Department of Public Safety and Corrections to initiate the creation of the new plate, which may be a point of contention regarding resource allocation and efficiency. Overall, the bill highlights ongoing discussions about innovative methods to fund local education while appealing to community symbolism.