Louisiana House Bill HB1285

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/14/10
• Refer: 4/19/10
• Report Pass: 4/27/10
• Engrossed: 5/10/10
• Refer: 5/11/10
• Report Pass: 6/10/10
• Enrolled: 6/21/10
• Chaptered: 7/6/10
• Passed: 7/6/10

Caption

Creates the "Rare and Endangered Species" license plate

Impact

The legislation enables the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to implement regulations regarding the issuance and management of these specialty license plates. Revenues garnered from the plates will contribute directly to the 'Rare and Endangered Species Account', which will fund conservation efforts aimed at protecting threatened species and their habitats. This bill encourages individual citizens to participate in state conservation efforts indirectly through their vehicle registrations.

Summary

House Bill 1285 seeks to establish two special prestige motor vehicle license plates in Louisiana: the 'Rare and Endangered Species' plate and the 'Equine Promotion' plate. The bill mandates that a minimum of one thousand applications must be collected for the issuance of each type of license plate. The 'Rare and Endangered Species' plate is designed to feature an avian species native to Louisiana, while the 'Equine Promotion' plate will depict a horse's image, and both will serve dual purposes of promoting awareness and funding relevant initiatives through their sales and associated fees.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 1285 appears to be largely supportive, especially among conservation advocates and organizations concerned with the wellbeing of wildlife. The introduction of such specialty plates is seen as a unique way for citizens to contribute to environmental causes while also expressing their interests and commitments through their vehicles. Nonetheless, there may be some contention concerning the management of funds collected and ensuring that the intended conservation goals are met effectively.

Contention

While the bill attracts general approval, potential concerns could revolve around the specifics of fund allocation and transparency. Ensuring that proceeds from the 'Rare and Endangered Species' plate are effectively utilized for wildlife conservation rather than administrative costs is crucial. Moreover, there could be discussions regarding whether the design of the plates accurately represents the causes they aim to support, appealing to both the equine community and wildlife enthusiasts.