Colorado House Bill HB1064

Colorado 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/24
• Failed: 4/1/24
• Refer: 1/10/24

Caption

Gadsden Flag Don’t Tread on Me License Plate

Impact

If enacted, HB 1064 will send additional funds to support the state charter school debt reserve fund through the fees collected from the new license plates. By establishing this special plate, the bill aims to reinforce the ideals of individualism and liberty associated with the historical significance of the Gadsden flag, connecting them with educational funding in the state. The provision slated for implementation on January 1, 2025, allows the Department to start issuing the plates once they are prepared, thereby setting a clear timeline for the initiative's rollout.

Summary

House Bill 1064 introduces the Gadsden flag 'Don't Tread on Me' special license plate in Colorado. The bill not only creates a new design featuring the Gadsden flag but also establishes a structure for the related fees associated with the issuance of these plates. Alongside regular license plate fees, applicants are required to pay two additional one-time fees of $25 each, which will be directed towards the highway users tax fund and the state charter school debt reserve fund. This initiative reflects an effort to bolster a sense of historical awareness and pride in American values as symbolized by the Gadsden flag.

Contention

Support and opposition to HB 1064 may emerge based on broader interpretations of the Gadsden flag and its associated ideals. While proponents might champion it as a symbol of American history and individual rights, critics could view the promotion of such symbols in official state license plates as controversial or divisive. The potential for the plate to be a discussion starter around government oversight and individual liberties could lead to public forums and debates over its meaning and implications in the context of state identity and educational funding.