Specialty license plates a valuable source of income
We urge caution in making changes in the state’s specialty license plate program.
No state officials or legislators have proposed changes, but the group Friends of the Smokies fears a recent lawsuit will affect the program, which raised more than $600,000 last year for projects related to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The lawsuit targets the controversial “Choose Life” license plate. It was filed Nov. 6 on behalf of the American Civil Liberties Union and Planned Parenthood of Middle and East Tennessee.
The lawsuit targets the specialty plate system. It claims the policy of issuing the plates “impermissibly permits the expression of only those viewpoints condoned by the General Assembly” and discriminates against citizens with opposing views.
The plates cost $35 more than the cost of a standard license plate. Part of the proceeds goes to the sponsoring organization, and the rest is distributed to the state Arts Commission and the highway fund.
Of the $35 specialty fee for the Friends of the Smokies plate, $31 goes to fund park projects and programs.
Last year, the money that was donated to the park was earmarked for a new search-and-rescue vehicle, a program that helps maintain the Appalachian Trail, black bear conservation and efforts to save the park’s hemlock trees.
While programs funded by the Friends of the Smokies are easy to support, we understand that other programs are not as clear, especially when they involve controversial issues.
We urge the Legislature to step carefully with this matter. Perhaps some adjustment in the program will be necessary. But throwing out the baby with the bath water is not the answer.