SB 1249 would create a state-sponsored anti-abortion specialty license plate, which would jeopardize key First Amendment principles because the proposal engages in viewpoint discrimination as the Idaho Legislature is not considering the adoption of a pro-abortion specialty license plate. If the bill were to be enacted, Idaho would be putting its power and resources behind one group of taxpayers' private speech while discriminating against another. By establishing an anti-abortion license plate, the bill would also funnel money raised from the purchase of the specialty plates into "crisis pregnancy centers" - centers that try to scare women out of having abortions and are notorious for providing false and misleading information.

Sponsors

Sen. Regina Bayer (R)

Status

Lost: Signed into Law

Session

2020

Bill number

Position

Oppose